Coverage for American Indians and Alaska Natives
Members of federally recognized American Indian tribes or Alaska Natives qualify for special savings through Covered California, including low or no out-of-pocket costs, the ability to enroll or change plans anytime, and no penalty for not having health insurance.
Special Savings for AI/ANs
Who These Benefits Are For
Covered California offers special health insurance benefits for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Some benefits are only for members of federally recognized tribes. Others apply to anyone eligible for services through the Indian Health Service (IHS), a tribal program or an urban Indian health program, even if you are not a tribal member.
What You May Qualify For
Covered California uses your household size and income to see what help you may qualify for. These benefits are based on the federal poverty level (FPL).
- Zero Cost-Sharing Plan: If your household income is between 100 and 300 percent of the FPL, you can sign up for a plan with no copays, coinsurance or deductibles for health care covered by the plan.
- Limited Cost-Sharing Plan: With any household income, you can sign up for a plan that has no copays, coinsurance or deductibles when getting care through an Indian health care provider, or for care received through a referral from one.
- Medi-Cal: If your income qualifies you for Medi-Cal, you may be enrolled with no premiums or out-of-pocket costs.
Enroll or Change Plans Anytime
As an AI/AN, you don’t have to wait for open enrollment. You can enroll in a Covered California plan at any time.
- Choose “Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native” as your More information available.
- You can change your health plan once each month.
- Your insurance starts on the first day of the month after you choose or change your plan.
You may qualify for a penalty exemption.
Members of federally recognized tribes do not have to pay the penalty for not having health insurance, which is required by California law.
Visit Penalty Details and Exemptions for more information.
See What You Qualify For
Start your application to find out what you qualify for.
What You May Need to Apply
When you apply for Covered California or Medi-Cal, it helps to have the following ready:
- Proof of tribal membership or Alaska Native status, such as a tribal enrollment card or a letter from your tribe or the Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Estimated yearly household income
- Social Security number, if you have one
- Information about each person in your household who needs insurance
Keep Exploring
Want to learn more? Explore related topics or connect with someone who can help you apply.