Covered California urges Korean residents to enroll as participation falls

Covered California is urging Korean residents to obtain or keep health insurance as enrollment declines and tighter subsidy eligibility rules approach for 2027, according to Korea Daily. A community manager said Korean enrollment fell about 12% last year and is expected to decline again this year.

The enrollment push comes as some immigrants living legally in the country face losing access to premium subsidies, Korea Daily reported. Citizens and permanent residents may still qualify for assistance, depending on income and other requirements.

Covered California held an enrollment event at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles to encourage residents to secure coverage for 2027, according to Korea Daily. Officials outlined changes to eligibility and premium assistance.

Heather Kim, a community manager at Covered California, said Korean insurance enrollment dropped about 12% last year, with another decrease expected this year. Korea Daily attributed the decline to federal funding cuts and stricter eligibility requirements.

The newspaper reported that implementation of federal legislation identified as H.R.1 will make some legally resident immigrants, including H-1B visa holders and refugees, ineligible for premium subsidies. Kim said citizens and permanent residents should check their eligibility rather than assume financial assistance is unavailable.

Open enrollment continues through Jan. 31, 2027. Residents seeking coverage effective Jan. 1, 2027, must enroll by Dec. 31, 2026; those who enroll in January will have coverage starting Feb. 1, 2027, according to the report.

Residents can check eligibility and enroll through Covered California. Korean-language assistance is available at 800-738-9116 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to Korea Daily.