CoveredCA/MediCal – Household Income when Laid Off

My partner (do not file taxes together, just posting on her behalf) was recently laid off (June 2023). She is looking at healthcare options available to her, which looks to be COBRA or CoveredCA/MediCal. COBRA is ridiculously expensive ($600/mo) so hoping CoveredCA is cheaper.

We went on their website and did the quick calculator to estimate costs. It asks for the annual household income for the coverage year. Would that be her total income in 2023 (6 months of having a job + 6 months of unemployment benefits) OR just the income for the time she needs coverage (6 months of unemployment benefits)? Obviously, these are two radically different numbers and the former qualifies her for CoveredCA while the latter qualifies her for MediCal.

If it is the former (full year 2023 estimated income) are there any tax credits to be had? Paying a few hundred out of pocket for CoveredCA while on unemployment is going to be tough for her.

(Also, if anyone has any other tips for recently unemployed folks, feel free to share! Things are confusing!)

submitted by /u/OGBiscuit21
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