A new state law going into effect Jan. 1 requires Californians to have health insurance in 2020 or face a penalty on their state taxes.
This follows the repeal of the individual mandate at the federal level, which took effect in 2019. California’s individual mandate is part of a state budget deal struck by Democratic legislative leaders and Gov. Gavin Newsom over the summer.
Covered California was created in 2014 to offer state residents subsidized health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Covered California’s enrollment period for health coverage in 2020 starts Tuesday and runs through Jan. 31.