Enrollment Extended: Drivers Can Now Sign Up for Health Care Through August
Did you know it’s not too late to sign up for healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Earlier this year, President Biden announced that the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) would extend the Special Enrollment Period to apply for ACA coverage through August 15, 2021. And this week, Lyft is joining HHS to help spread the word to drivers on the Lyft platform.
Why sign up for coverage now?
As a result of new COVID relief legislation, additional savings for marketplace coverage will be available for consumers through HealthCare.gov. The extended special enrollment period allows you to take advantage of these savings. This enrollment period makes it even easier for you to apply for coverage because you won’t need to provide any documentation of a qualifying event (e.g., loss of coverage or a move), which is usually required for Special Enrollment Period eligibility. If you sign up now, you can have coverage as soon as June 1. To apply for coverage and to see if you qualify for a subsidy, navigate to HealthCare.Gov and click ‘Take The First Steps To Apply.’
Do you already have coverage from another source?
That’s great! Across the U.S., more than 75% of drivers on the Lyft platform already have health coverage from another source, like a primary job.* Lyft is also advocating with policymakers around the country for new policies that allow drivers to receive benefits while maintaining their independence. In fact, drivers in California are eligible to qualify for a healthcare subsidy from Lyft as part of a new law that Lyft supported.
California drivers: you may qualify for a healthcare subsidy from Lyft because of Prop 22
Due in part to the overwhelming support of drivers, California voters passed Prop 22 last November. Under Prop 22, if you drive in California on the Lyft platform for at least 15 hours/week (of booked time) over the course of a quarter (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec), and you’re enrolled in a qualifying health plan, you could be eligible to receive a subsidy of up to $600 per quarter (up to $2,400 for the year). For those drivers with at least 25 hours/week (of booked time) in California, this subsidy goes up to $1,200 per quarter (up to $4,800 for the year).** For more details, see here.
Meet Shavon, a driver in California who signed up for health coverage through the ACA and received a healthcare subsidy from Lyft to help cover the bill
I started driving with Lyft because I wanted to support my family while maintaining my flexibility to work whenever I can. I have two teenage children - a 15 year old boy and a 16 year old girl. Between prepping them both for college, teaching them how to cook and drive, I’m also busy volunteering with Hunger Action Los Angeles, delivering food to those in need. Sometimes I even convince my kids to volunteer with me! I love driving because I love people and traveling all over the area.
When you have two teenagers, healthcare costs can be unexpected. That’s why I’m so grateful for the Affordable Care Act and Lyft. I was able to sign up for an affordable plan - and then received a subsidy from Lyft to help cover the premium. The process for submitting the documents was easy and the next thing I knew, I had money in my account to help my family’s healthcare costs.
*Data collected in the driver survey conducted for the 2021 Economic Impact Report.
**The subsidy is based on the average statewide monthly premium for the bronze health insurance plan as published by Covered California, and is subject to change each year.