If we do business out-of-state, will we have to be certified through that state as well?

Yes.

Other than the 8-training, is there any other training or online instruction that needs to be done before getting the certification?

There is no other training or online instruction. However, in order to become certified, agents need to pass the certification exam by 80% or better, sign the Certified Insurance Agent Agreement, and pay the $60 appointment fee.

Will Covered California for Small Business carriers provide prior carrier deductible credit?

Each carrier within Covered California for Small Business has its own policy. Refer to each carrier’s underwriting guidelines for more information.

Are there tax advantages to the employer for participating in Covered California for Small Business?

The employer may be eligible for the small business health care tax credit, in addition to the tax advantages in offering any employer-sponsored health insurance to employees.

My client works for a company with a health plan and he is concerned about the cost of adding his unemployed wife and baby to his plan. Can his wife and baby enroll in the exchange while he stays with his employer plan?

Yes, the wife and baby may enroll in Covered California. Eligibility for subsidies would depend if the employer plan is considered affordable, among other factors.

I have two licensed staff who are not Certified with Covered California. How much can they say and do? Should they get Certified?

They can do all typical broker activities except the actual enrollment of either individuals or employer groups in Covered California.

After passing the exam and completing all the paperwork, how long until we get notice of Certification?

Within 5-7 days of submitting the signed agent agreement and associated documentation (assumes correctly completed) and paying the endorsement fee, the next steps occur:

1. Your status on CoveredCA.com will be updated to “Certified.” And you’ll receive an email confirming your status change.
2. Your name and contact information is added to the Covered California website.
3. Consumers and small businesses will be able to find your details by clicking “Find an Agent” on this page.
4. You’ll be able to update and edit your Covered California public facing profile.
5. Covered California will update the California Department of Insurance (CDI) website with your endorsement information. This fulfills a requirement by CDI and provides another place where consumers can verify that you’re certified.

More information on the Certification process can be found here.

Is there premium assistance for EE’s in Covered California for Small Business?

No. Premium assistance is only available in the Covered California individual exchange.

Can you briefly outline the Certification requirements?

In order to obtain certification with Covered California, insurance agents must:

1. Have an active California Accident and Health Agent license in good standing
2. Provide proof of Errors and Omissions (E & O) insurance in the amount specified in the Certified Insurance Agent Agreement
3. Complete Certified Insurance Agent training offered by Covered California
4. Pass the Certification Exam by 80% or better
5. Sign the Certified Insurance Agent Agreement
6. Pay the $60 appointment fee

See here for more information on agent Certification:
https://www.claremontcompanies.com/covered-california/covered-california-agent-certification

If Covered California for Small Business is not available in a county, would the small business lose the potential small business tax credit?

Covered California for Small Business is available in all counties, though the plans may vary in the different counties.