The Affordable Care Act requires that most people obtain medical insurance coverage. If you are not already enrolled in a health plan that meets the Affordable Care Act minimum essential benefits requirements, you may need to switch plans.

The mandate requires that most Americans and legal residents obtain health insurance that meets the standards set by the Covered California Exchange. Those who do not get covered for health insurance may face a penalty.

You may also need to get Individual Health Insurance in California if:

• You are self-employed.

• Your employer does not offer group plans.

• You are enrolled in a group plan, but it does not cover your spouse or dependents.

• You are enrolled in a health plan, but the premiums are too high.

• You are enrolled in a health plan, but your benefit needs have changed.

The purpose of state health insurance exchanges is to make health insurance more affordable and easier to purchase for small business and individuals.

The health reform legislation (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) signed into law in March 2010 by President Obama creates state-based health insurance exchanges. States can choose to operate their own exchanges or participate in a multi-state exchange.

California early on chose to operate its own exchange, now known as "Covered California."

The California exchange's vision is to improve the health of all Californians by assuring their access to affordable, high quality care.

Our mission is to increase the number of insured Californians, improve health care quality, lower costs, and reduce health disparities through an innovative, competitive marketplace that empowers consumers to choose the health plan and providers that give them the best value.