Question 1

What is a copayment?

Accepted Answer

The fixed amount you pay for specific health care services (visiting your doctor, refilling your prescriptions)

Question 2

What is the out-of-pocket max?

Accepted Answer

The most you will pay during your coverage period (typically 12 months)

Question 3

What is coinsurance?

Accepted Answer

The percentage you have to pay for medical bills after you hit your deductible and before you reach your out-of-pocket max

Question 4

What is a deductible?

Accepted Answer

The amount you’re required to pay before your insurance starts helping you cover the cost

Question 5

When can I enroll?

Accepted Answer

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B you can enroll in Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period:

The seven-month period that includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month you turn 65, and the three months after your birthday.

Question 6

What does Part D cover?

Accepted Answer

Prescription drugs are covered at different rates depending on what tier they fall under:

Tier 1: Generic drugs 
Tier 2: Preferred brand-name drugs 
Tier 3: Non-preferred brand-name drugs 
Tier 4: High-cost drugs

For example, your plan may cover 80% for “generic drugs” and 20% for “preferred brand name drugs."

Question 7

How does COVID-19 spread?

Accepted Answer

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.   WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated findings.

Question 8

Who is at risk of developing sever illness?

Accepted Answer

While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes)  appear to develop serious illness more often than others.

Question 9

Is COVID-19 airborne?

Accepted Answer

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces.    You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within 1 metre of a person who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.

Question 10

How likely am I to catch COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The risk depends on where you  are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.   For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.   COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or intend to go. WHO publishes daily updates on the COVID-19 situation worldwide.

Question 11

Should I worry about COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones. We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.

Question 12

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.

Question 13

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

Accepted Answer

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.   You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions. To view, click here.

Question 14

What is a coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Question 15

Is there a vaccine, drug, or treatment for COVID-19?"

Accepted Answer

Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19. The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Question 16

What is COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Question 17

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available.

Question 18

Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available.

Question 19

Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.

Question 20

How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

Accepted Answer

It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).   If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Question 21

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

Question 22

Will I get a membership ID card?

Accepted Answer

If you are newly enrolled in a health insurance plan through Covered California, you will receive a membership ID card from your health insurance company after it receives your first payment. Learn more about what to expect on the Using Your Plan page.   If you change coverage, such as metal tiers or health insurance companies, your health insurance company will send you a new welcome packet and health insurance card after receiving payment.

Question 23

I received a Form 1095-A from Covered California. What is Form 1095-A?

Accepted Answer

Form 1095-A is a document you will need when you prepare your taxes. Click here to learn more about it.

Question 24

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

If you need a health plan in California, you can receive help from our certified insurance agents in person or over the phone at (800) 650-0922. Before you do, make sure to have the following information handy for every member of your household you’d like covered: Full name, as it appears on your Social Security card Birth date Social Security number (SSN) Residential address Telephone number Email for primary applicant If you’re a naturalized citizen: The number from your certificate of citizenship/naturalization (located at the upper right-hand corner) and your alien number (located just below, beginning with an “A”) If you’re not a citizen but have a visa/green card/foreign passport: Your alien/USCIS number and I-94/visa/green card/passport number Tax and income information How you file your taxes (i.e., as an individual, family, etc.) All employer names and addresses The projected income earned by each household member who has a job (if you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide your average monthly income) Social Security and unemployment income Any other additional income, like interest, IRA, alimony, etc. Any deductions on your tax returns

Question 25

Does Covered California offer health coverage for small businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Visit the Covered California for Small Business section of our website to learn about the benefits for small businesses and their employees.

Question 26

Can I get financial assistance with Covered California?

Accepted Answer

When you sign up on the Covered California health insurance marketplace, you’ll find out if you qualify for subsidies. You can then use that financial assistance toward the plan you purchase. Just remember, these subsidies aren’t fixed and can fluctuate throughout the year as your income changes.

Question 27

When can I sign up for health insurance?

Accepted Answer

You can only apply for individual Covered California plans during Open Enrollment, which usually begins October 15 and lasts until January 15. The only time you can enroll outside of this period is if you have a special qualifying life event, like loss of a job, marriage, birth of a baby, etc. Think you might be eligible for Medi-cal? You can apply for this any time of the year, even outside of Open Enrollment.

Question 28

Does Covered California offer dental and vision coverage?

Accepted Answer

All Covered California health insurance plans come with children’s dental coverage embedded in the health plan. In addition, Covered California offers optional family dental plans that provide dental benefits for adults.   All Covered California health insurance plans include children’s vision care. In addition, Covered California now offers consumers a direct pathway to quality vision coverage.    Click here for more information.

Question 29

Am I eligible for Covered California?

Accepted Answer

Any legal resident of California can apply for health coverage through the Covered California health insurance marketplace.

Question 30

What if I choose not to get health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Beginning in 2020, having health coverage is the law. If you don’t have it, you may have to pay a penalty to the California Franchise Tax Board. Generally speaking, the penalty will be $695 per each adult and $347.50 per each dependent child under 18 in the household (up to $2,085 per family) or more when you file your 2020 state income tax return in 2021.

Question 31

Can I get help with my application or with choosing a plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Help is free. Get help with your application or with choosing a plan: By phone: Call us at (800) 650-0922. The call is free. In person: We have trained certified insurance agents who can help you. This help is free! For a list of places near where you live or work, visit collectivechoice.com/locations.

Question 32

Once I'm enrolled, how do I use my plan? What do I do next?"

Accepted Answer

View the Using Your Plan page to learn about all of the benefits of being enrolled and how to use your plan.

Question 33

When can I renew my plan?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance plans only last for a year, so if you want to continue being covered, it’s important to renew during Open Enrollment.   Some plans renew automatically, while others require you to resubmit your info. Usually your health insurance company will send you a reminder before Open Enrollment begins, but it’s always a good idea to check what your plan’s renewal process is.   If you got your health insurance through Covered California, it’s a good idea to review your information before the end of Open Enrollment. Make sure to update any changes to your income and household information, because this can impact which plans and subsidies that may be available to you.

Question 34

Can I apply for Covered California if I don't have a Social Security number?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can apply for Covered California coverage if you’re lawfully present even without a Social Security number (SSN) as long as one of the following is true: You’ve applied for a SSN You don’t qualify for a SSN due to your immigration status You do not want to provide your SSN for religious reasons If you don’t use a SSN when you apply, you’ll need to provide appropriate documentation within 90 days.

Question 35

Is Covered California and Obamacare the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Covered California is the state's Obamacare exchange. This means your Obamacare plan options are the same as your Covered California options. The plans on Covered California are divided by carrier and into four different metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Question 36

Which free preventive services are available in the health plans through Covered California?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive list of free preventive care available in all health plans through Covered California can be found on the Using Your Plan page.

Question 37

Is Covered California an insurance company?

Accepted Answer

No. Covered California is where Californians can get brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and see if they qualify for financial subsidies from the federal government to help them pay their monthly premiums.

Question 38

When will I get my bill?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the plan you select, you may be able to pay your first bill when you apply for coverage online. All future bills must be paid directly to the plan, not through your Covered California account.   If you do not pay your first bill online, your health insurance company will send you a bill about two weeks after it receives your application or renewal. The payment due date will be printed on the bill. Please send your payment to your health insurance company before the deadline. If you pay your bill by mail, be sure you send it in time for the insurance company to receive your payment by the payment date printed on the bill. Your health insurance company also may accept payment through the phone or online, which would be faster than mailing your payment. Contact your health insurance company for more information about payment options.

Question 39

What free preventive care is available for adults?

Accepted Answer

Annual adult wellness exams. Abdominal aortic aneurysm one-time screening for men of specified ages who have ever smoked. Alcohol misuse screening and counseling. Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease for men and women of certain ages. Blood pressure screening. Cholesterol screening. Colorectal cancer screening for adults over 50. Depression screening. Diabetes (Type 2) screening for adults with high blood pressure. Diet counseling for adults at higher risk for chronic disease. HIV screening for everyone ages 15 to 65, and other ages at increased risk. Immunization vaccines for adults, including: * Haemophilus influenzae type b. * Hepatitis A. * Hepatitis B. * Herpes Zoster. * Human papillomavirus. * Influenza (flu). * Measles, mumps and rubella. * Meningococcal disease. * Pneumococcal disease. * Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. * Varicella. Obesity screening and counseling. Sexually transmitted infection prevention counseling for adults at higher risk. Syphilis screening for all adults at higher risk. Tobacco use screening for all adults and cessation interventions for tobacco users. Skin cancer counseling for persons at high risk. Lung cancer screening for persons at high risk. Hepatitis C screening for persons at high risk. Falls in older adults, counseling, preventive medication and other interventions for community-dwelling adults age 65 and older who are at increased risk for falls. Statin preventive medication for adults 40 to 75 at high risk.

Question 40

What free preventive care is available for women?

Accepted Answer

Anemia screening for pregnant women. Breast cancer genetic test counseling (BRCA) for women at higher risk. Breast cancer mammography screenings every one to two years for women over 40. Breast cancer chemoprevention counseling for women at higher risk. Breastfeeding comprehensive support and counseling from trained providers, and access to breastfeeding supplies, for pregnant and nursing women. Cervical cancer screening. Chlamydia infection screening for younger women and other women at higher risk. Contraception. Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling. Folic acid supplements for women who may become pregnant. Gestational diabetes screening for women 24 to 28 weeks pregnant and those at high risk of developing gestational diabetes. Gonorrhea screening for all women at higher risk. Hepatitis B screening for pregnant women at their first prenatal visit. HIV screening and counseling. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test every three years for women with normal cytology results who are 30 or older. Osteoporosis screening for women over age 60, depending on risk factors. Rh incompatibility screening for all pregnant women and follow-up testing for women at higher risk. Sexually transmitted infections counseling. Syphilis screening for all pregnant women or other women at increased risk. Tobacco use screening and interventions, including expanded counseling for pregnant tobacco users. Urinary tract infection or other infection screening for pregnant women. Well-woman visits. Preeclampsia prevention and screening for pregnant women with high blood pressure. Urinary incontinence screening for women yearly.

Question 41

Can I change health insurance while getting treatment?

Accepted Answer

If your new health insurance does not work with your doctor, but you are getting treatment for a serious condition, call your new health insurance company to let them know about your treatment. Depending on what illness or condition you are receiving treatment for, your new health insurance company may be able to work with your current doctor while you finish treatment. Be sure to tell your current doctor that you have new health insurance.   For help talking to your health insurance company, contact the Health Consumer Alliance, which offers free local assistance. Call (888) 804-3536 or visit http://healthconsumer.org.

Question 42

What preventive care is available for children?

Accepted Answer

Wellness exams. Autism screening for children at 18 and 24 months. Behavioral assessments for children up to 17 years old. Blood pressure screening for children up to 17 years old. Cervical dysplasia screening for sexually active females. Depression screening. Developmental screening for children under age 3. Dyslipidemia screening for children from 1 to 17 years old at higher risk of lipid disorders. Fluoride chemoprevention supplements. Gonorrhea preventive medication for the eyes of all newborns. Hearing screening for all newborns. Height, weight and body mass index measurements for children up to 17 years old. Hematocrit or hemoglobin screening. Hemoglobinopathies or sickle cell screening for newborns. HIV screening for adolescents at higher risk. Immunization vaccines for children from birth to age 18, including: * Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. * Haemophilus influenzae type b. * Hepatitis A. * Hepatitis B. * Human papillomavirus. * Inactivated poliovirus. * Influenza (flu). * Measles, mumps, rubella. * Meningococcal disease. * Pneumococcal disease. * Rotavirus. * Varicella. Iron supplements for children ages 6 to 12 months at risk for anemia. Lead screening for children at risk of exposure. Medical history for all children up to 17 years old throughout development. Obesity screening and counseling. Oral health risk assessment for young children up to 10 years old. Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening for newborns. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention counseling and screening for adolescents at higher risk. Tuberculin testing for children up to 17 years old at higher risk of tuberculosis. Vision screening. Tobacco use prevention for school-age children. Alcohol, tobacco, and drug use assessments for adolescents. Bilirubin concentration screening for newborns. Blood screening for newborns. Fluoride varnish for all infants and children as soon as teeth are present. Hepatitis B screening for adolescents at high risk, including adolescents from countries with 2 percent or more Hepatitis B prevalence, and U.S.-born adolescents not vaccinated as infants and with at least one parent born in a region with 8 percent or more Hepatitis B prevalence: 11–17 years. Hypothyroidism screening for newborns.

Question 43

Can I use services covered by my health insurance plan before I receive my membership card?

Accepted Answer

You can use services covered by your health insurance plan starting the next month after you make your first payment, even before your membership ID card has arrived.   If you haven’t already, be sure the provider (a doctor or other health service provider) you want to see is participating in the health plan network you have selected. If you visit the provider before you receive your membership ID card, you may be asked to sign a statement agreeing to pay for the services if you cannot prove you have health insurance.   The provider may later send you a bill (a “claim”) for the care. It is likely that by the time you get a bill or claim from your provider, you will already be entered into your health insurance company’s system. Once you have your membership ID card, simply contact your provider, provide them your membership ID card number and ask to have the bill resubmitted directly to your health insurance company.

Question 44

What should I do if I have questions about medications and getting my prescriptions filled?

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about medications and getting your prescriptions filled, the first step is to contact your health insurance company to see if it has received your first payment and can issue you a membership ID card or a plan identification number. Ask which pharmacies you can use in order to get the pharmacy benefits of your health insurance plan. You will not be able to get a membership ID card if you have not yet paid your first payment for your health insurance.   If you need prescription medications urgently and you have completed the Covered California enrollment application process, selected a health plan, and made your first payment, you may be able to receive some medications even if you do not yet have a membership ID card. Contact your health insurance company for more information.

Question 45

What is a full-time equivalent employee?

Accepted Answer

For the purposes of determining whether an employer is a small or large employer as defined by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and applicable California law, the employer is required to calculate its total number of “full-time-equivalent” (FTE) employees. This number determines whether the employer is eligible to participate in Covered California for Small Business   An FTE employee is not an actual employee, but a calculation involving all part-time and full-time employees who worked during the preceding calendar year (or who are reasonably expected to work in the current calendar year if the employer did not exist in the prior year). If the final figure exceeds 100, then the employer is a large employer under California law. For coverage starting Jan. 1, 2016, if the final figure is 100 or less, then the employer is a small employer that is eligible for Covered California for Small Business.

Question 46

What should I know about calculating full-time equivalent employees?

Accepted Answer

Calculating the total FTE employee count is your responsibility as an employer. Employers that have more than 100 FTE employees are not eligible for Covered California for Small Business. Not all FTE employees may be eligible for coverage with Covered California for Small Business. Employees who are eligible for coverage include: Full-time employees (those who work 30 or more hours per week). Part-time employees (those who work 20-29 hours per week) at the employer’s discretion. Employees who are not eligible for coverage include those employees who work less than 20 hours per week, receive a Form 1099 or are seasonal or temporary employees.

Question 47

Will I have to apply to receive a payment?

Accepted Answer

No. If the Internal Revenue Service already has your bank account information from your 2019 or 2018 returns, it will transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has.

Question 48

Do I have to pay income taxes on the amount of my payment?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 49

How many payments will there be?

Accepted Answer

Most adults will get $1,200, although some would get less. For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500.

Question 50

How large will the payments be?

Accepted Answer

Most adults will get $1,200, although some would get less. For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500.

Question 51

If my payment doesn’t come soon, how can I be sure that it wasn’t misdirected?"

Accepted Answer

According to the bill, you will get a paper notice in the mail no later than a few weeks after your payment has been disbursed. That notice will contain information about where the payment ended up and in what form it was made. If you couldn’t locate the payment at that point, it would be time to contact the IRS using the information on the notice.

Question 52

Will most people who are receiving Social Security retirement and disability payments each month also get a stimulus payment?

Accepted Answer

You’ll still receive the payments, as long as you meet the income thresholds. Even if you do not typically file taxes, the IRS will send you the money the same way you normally get your benefits. However, the IRS notes that it does not have information on dependents for people who do not have to file their taxes, so in those cases, you will not get an additional $500 for dependents age 16 or younger.

Question 53

What if I haven't filed my taxes in 2018 or 2019?

Accepted Answer

The IRS said if you haven't filed your 2018 federal taxes, that could affect your stimulus check and urges anyone who hasn't filed a 2018 tax return to file now.

Question 54

Do college students get anything?

Accepted Answer

College students who are older than 17 and still claimed as a dependent by their parents, including any students whose parents pay for over half of their expenses do not qualify for the payment.

Question 55

Will U.S. citizens living abroad get a payment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as they meet the income requirements and have a Social Security number.

Question 56

How much will I get?

Accepted Answer

The IRS bases the amount of your payment on the adjusted gross income (AGI) listed on your most recent tax return: 2018 or 2019.   The maximum payment is $1,200 for single filers with an AGI below $75,000 or single parents (heads of household) with an AGI below $112,500. Married couples who file jointly and have an AGI below $150,000 will get a total of $2,400.   Payments will begin to phase out at a rate of $5 for each $100 over the AGI threshold before ceasing at an AGI of $99,000 for single filers, $136,500 for heads of household, and $198,000 for married filers. There's also an additional $500 allotted to parents who have an AGI within the phaseout range for each child younger than 17.   You can find your adjusted gross income on Line 8b of the 2019 1040 federal tax return.

Question 57

When will the payment arrive?

Accepted Answer

Everyone with direct deposit should get the payments before April 24. Then, paper checks will be sent out which could take months.

Question 58

I had to quit my job as a direct result of coronavirus. Would I be eligible to apply for benefits?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Let’s say your employer didn’t lay you off but you had to quit because of a quarantine recommended by a healthcare provider, or because your child’s day care closed and you’re the primary caregiver. Situations like that are covered.

Question 59

Are any unemployment benefits retroactive?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. If you are newly eligible for benefits, you may be able to claim state-level benefits retroactively, back to Jan. 27. But it will ultimately be determined by your state, which will consider the date that you became unemployed and any extenuating circumstances that prevented you from filing earlier, according to a representative for the Department of Labor.   People who are already receiving unemployment will not get any retroactive benefits. If your benefits run out, you’ll be eligible for the added 13 weeks of state-level benefits (as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria).   The extra $600 payment being paid by the federal government is also not retroactive.

Question 60

How long would the broader program last?

Accepted Answer

Expanded coverage would be available to workers who were newly eligible for unemployment benefits for weeks starting on Jan. 27, 2020, and through Dec. 31, 2020.

Question 61

I’m already receiving unemployment benefits. Will I receive any help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even if you’re already receiving unemployment benefits for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus, your state-level benefits will still be extended by 13 weeks. You will also receive the extra $600 weekly benefit from the federal government.

Question 62

What if I’ve been advised by a health care provider to quarantine myself because of exposure to coronavirus? And what about broader orders to stay home?

Accepted Answer

People who must self-quarantine are covered. The legislation also says that individuals who are unable to get to work because of a quarantine imposed as a result of the outbreak are eligible.

Question 63

How long will the payments last?

Accepted Answer

Many states already provide 26 weeks of benefits, though some states have trimmed that back while others provide a sliding scale tied to unemployment levels.   The bill provides all eligible workers with an additional 13 weeks. So participants in states with 26 weeks would be eligible for a total of 39 weeks. The total amount cannot exceed 39 weeks, but it may be shorter in certain states.   The extra $600 payment will last for up to four months, covering weeks of unemployment ending July 31.

Question 64

How much will I receive?

Accepted Answer

Under the plan, eligible workers will get an extra $600 per week on top of their state benefit. In California, it is $450. People will receive an extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits for up to four months.   So let’s say a worker was making $1,100 per week in California; she’d be eligible for the maximum state unemployment benefit of $450 per week. Under the new expansion, she gets an additional $600 of federal pandemic unemployment compensation, for a total of $1,550, essentially replacing her original paycheck.