Minimum Coverage Plan
A minimum coverage plan is a type of health insurance plan, also called catastrophic coverage. This type of plan is designed to protect you from very high medical bills in a serious emergency. They’re mainly available to people under 30 or those with an approved hardship or affordability exemption.
What is a minimum coverage plan?
The minimum coverage plan, also called catastrophic coverage, offers lower monthly premium payments.
The minimum coverage plan usually has lower monthly More information available than Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum plans. But for most forms of care, you pay the full cost until you reach your More information available. After that, the plan covers 100 percent of covered More information available services.
The minimum coverage plan is not the same as the four standard coverage levels. It has a different cost structure and different eligibility rules.
Financial help is not available.
The minimum coverage plan doesn’t qualify for financial help, regardless of your income. If you think you may qualify for financial help, learn more about your financial help options before choosing this plan type.
Who can get a minimum coverage plan?
The minimum coverage plan, also called catastrophic coverage, offers lower monthly premium payments.
You may be able to get a minimum coverage plan if you meet one of these two conditions:
- You are under 30. You can get a minimum coverage plan through Covered California. (Once you age out, you’ll be automatically moved to a Bronze plan.)
- You are 30 or older and have an approved exemption. You must apply for and receive an approved affordability hardship or general hardship exemption through Covered California. Once approved, you will receive an Exemption Certificate Number (ECN). Then you can buy a minimum coverage plan directly from a health insurance company, not through Covered California.
To learn more about exemptions and see if you’re eligible, visit Penalty Details and Exemptions.
Under 30? Compare your plan options first.
A Bronze plan may have a similar monthly premium to the minimum coverage plan and offer financial help if you’re eligible. See what's available before you decide.
What This Plan Covers
The minimum coverage plan includes:
- Free preventive care. Routine screenings, vaccines and wellness visits at no cost to you.
- Three doctor (primary and other practitioner) or urgent care visits per plan year. These visits, including outpatient mental health and substance use visits, are covered with no out-of-pocket costs regardless of your deductible.
- Protection from very high costs. Once you reach your plan's out-of-pocket limit, the plan pays 100 percent for all in-network services.
For most other services, you pay the full cost until you reach the out-of-pocket limit.
Minimum Coverage Plan vs. Bronze Plan
Before you choose a minimum coverage plan, compare it with Bronze plans. Bronze plans are available to people of all ages and may offer better value.
How to Decide if This Plan is Right for You
Check if you’re eligible.
If you’re under 30, you may be able to buy a minimum coverage plan through Covered California. If you are 30 or older, check whether you need an approved affordability hardship or general hardship exemption.
Compare with Bronze plans.
A Bronze plan may have a similar monthly premium, a lower deductible or financial help if you qualify.
Choose the option that fits your situation.
If you are under 30, shop and compare plans through Covered California. If you are 30 or older and have an approved ECN, contact the health insurance company directly.
