What documents do I need to prove my income and residency when applying for a subsidized plan on Covered California?

To prove your income and residency for Covered California, you typically need recent pay stubs or a tax return for income, and a California driver's license or utility bill for residency. You only need to submit documents if the electronic verification system cannot confirm your information. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process: Step 1: Complete Your Application First, complete your application on the CoveredCA.com website. Be as accurate as possible. Covered California will first try to verify your stated income and residency electronically through state and federal databases. If this is successful, you will not need to provide any documents. Step 2: Watch for a Verification Notice If electronic verification fails, Covered California will send a notice to your secure online inbox and by mail. This notice will clearly state what information needs to be verified (e.g., income, residency) and list the acceptable documents you can submit. Step 3: Gather Proof of Income To prove your income, collect one of the following: your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040), W-2 form, or pay stubs from the last 30 days. If you are self-employed, you can use a recent profit and loss statement, 1099 forms, or self-employment ledgers. Step 4: Gather Proof of Residency To prove you are a California resident, prepare one of the following documents: a valid California driver’s license or ID card, a current utility bill, a rental or lease agreement with your signature, a mortgage statement, or an employment document. The document must show your name and California address. Step 5: Upload Your Documents Promptly You must upload clear, legible copies of the requested documents to your account on the CoveredCA.com website. You generally have 90 days from the date of the notice to submit your documents. Important details and nuances: Only submit the documents that are specifically requested in your verification notice. All documents must be current and clearly legible. Ensure your name is visible and matches the name on your application. Warnings and limitations: If you do not submit the required documents by the 90-day deadline, any financial assistance you are receiving will be terminated. In some cases, your health plan itself may be canceled. Providing false information can lead to penalties, including having to repay any subsidies you received. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, such as having irregular income or unique residency circumstances, you should consult with a qualified California attorney.