Beyond Covered by Covered California
A select number of Covered California members are being invited to take advantage of the Beyond Covered by Covered California initiative in 2025. If you qualify, you could receive a special debit card for grocery purchases, or earn up to $1,000 for your child’s CalKIDS savings account.
If you received an email, text or phone call from the organization FORWARD, it is because Covered California determined that you may be eligible to enroll in one of its two Beyond Covered programs, Beyond Covered: Grocery Support Program or Beyond Covered: Child Savings Account Program.
Why was Beyond Covered created?
Covered California created the Beyond Covered initiative to improve health and help foster long-term financial security for certain people with health insurance through Covered California.
Funds for Beyond Covered come from Covered California’s Quality Transformation Initiative. This initiative requires that health insurance companies make payments when they do not meet specific benchmarks in care. These payments fund the two Beyond Covered programs, Beyond Covered: Grocery Support Program and Beyond Covered: Child Savings Account Program.
What is FORWARD?
Covered California has partnered with the online platform FORWARD to manage its Beyond Covered initiative. FORWARD handles consumer outreach and support, program enrollment and fund distributions.
Grocery Support Program
This program helps individuals facing chronic health conditions and financial challenges access nutritious food. Eligible participants receive a special debit card for grocery purchases. Invitations are sent to potential participants, who are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative reflects Covered California’s dedication to supporting the overall well-being of its members, extending beyond traditional medical care.
Who is eligible for the Grocery Support Program?
An invitation to participate will be sent to a select number of Covered California members who:
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Have a chronic health issue.
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Have household incomes at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
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Are experiencing food insecurity.
Funds are limited, and acceptance into the program is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Child Savings Account Program
This program is designed to help parents and guardians build a bright financial future for their California-born kids under two years old. By completing important health steps like regular check-ups and vaccinations, families can earn up to $1,000 for their child’s CalKIDS savings account. This money can later be used for educational expenses, whether it’s for vocational training, community college or a four-year university. It’s a great way to start investing in your child’s future from an early age!
What steps do I need to complete?
Participants must complete the recommended well-child visits and vaccines. Steps include completing vaccines such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP), Polio, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), and more, along with a bonus for the flu vaccine.
Eligible families can earn between $100 and $150 per step. Over 12 months, participants enrolled in the program can earn up to $1,000. Payments are deposited directly into the child’s CalKIDS account.
Who is eligible for the Child Savings Account Program?
An invitation to participate will be sent to Covered California members who have children under 18 months of age.
Participation is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Have more questions?
Visit FORWARD’s website for this program at forwardplatform.com/beyond-covered-ca/.
Email FORWARD at coveredca-support@forwardplatform.zendesk.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I enroll in Beyond Covered?
Starting in February 2025, Beyond Covered by Covered California through FORWARD will be reaching out to enrollees who may benefit from this new program. If you're a match for the program, you will get an invite through email, text or a phone call. This is a special opportunity and is based on certain eligibility criteria like age and income. Since the funds are limited, it's important to act fast once you receive an invite because enrollment is first come, first served.
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Are the Beyond Covered programs only available to Covered California members?
Yes, Beyond Covered is a special program that's available to eligible Covered California enrollees. To join, there are certain criteria you need to meet such as age and income. These criteria help decide who can get the benefits of this program.
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Does my decision to participate in Beyond Covered affect my health benefits through Covered California?
No. Your participation is completely voluntary and will have no impact on your health coverage or ability to continue receiving health insurance through Covered California.
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Are the benefits I receive through Beyond Covered considered taxable income?
No, Beyond Covered is a benefit of your Covered California health insurance.
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Will participation in Beyond Covered affect my eligibility for other benefits, such as CalFresh or TANF?
No, eligibility for other assistance programs will not be affected.
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Can I withdraw from Beyond Covered after enrolling?
Yes. Participation in the program is completely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time by contacting FORWARD directly. Your decision to withdraw has no impact on your health insurance or ability to continue receiving health benefits from your health insurance company through Covered California.
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I believe that I am eligible for Beyond Covered. Why have I not been contacted by FORWARD?
If you haven't heard from FORWARD just yet, please don't worry. Your eligibility for Beyond Covered is based on set criteria and the funds we have available. It's quite possible that you could be considered for participation in the program later this year or in future years.
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Will Beyond Covered be offered in 2026?
If funding is available, Covered California intends to offer Beyond Covered in 2026.
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I have more questions about Beyond Covered. Where can I get more information?
Visit FORWARD’s website for this program at https://forwardplatform.com/beyond-covered-ca/.
Email FORWARD at coveredca-support@forwardplatform.zendesk.com