All program guidesCoverage offered through your job

How to apply for Employer Health Insurance

Health insurance offered through a person's job.

Who it's for

Employees who meet their employer's eligibility requirements.

Step by Step

How to apply

  1. 1

    Ask your employer or Human Resources

    Ask your employer or Human Resources: "Does my job offer health insurance?"

  2. 2

    Ask when you become eligible

    Ask when you become eligible.

  3. 3

    Ask for information about all available health plans

    Ask for information about all available health plans.

  4. 4

    Find out how much the employer pays

    Find out how much the employer pays.

  5. 5

    Find out how much will be deducted from each paycheck

    Find out how much will be deducted from each paycheck.

  6. 6

    Compare the plans

    Compare premiums, deductibles, copayments, prescription coverage, and provider networks.

  7. 7

    Ask whether a spouse and children can be added

    Ask whether a spouse and children can be added.

  8. 8

    Complete the employer's enrollment form or online application

    Complete the employer's enrollment form or online application.

  9. 9

    Add eligible family members if desired

    Add eligible family members if desired.

  10. 10

    Select the health plan

    Select the health plan.

  11. 11

    Submit the enrollment

    Submit the enrollment.

  12. 12

    Ask when coverage begins

    Ask when coverage begins.

  13. 13

    Keep the insurance card when it arrives

    Keep the insurance card when it arrives.

What to have ready

  • Employer and employee information
  • Family member information (spouse and children), if adding them

Good to know

  • New employees may have a limited enrollment window, so they should ask about insurance soon after starting a job.

This California guide is general information, not an official eligibility decision. Requirements vary by program and can change. A resettlement agency, county benefits office, or Covered California enrollment counselor can help you confirm your options.