If you're an app-based rideshare or delivery driver in California, you may be eligible for a health insurance stipend under Proposition 22 (Prop 22).
The stipend is paid by the company you drive or deliver for and can help offset the cost of qualifying individual health insurance.
Who is eligible for the Prop 22 health insurance stipend?
Generally, you must:
- Drive or deliver for a participating app-based company in California
- Average at least 15 hours of engaged time per week over the applicable quarter
- Have qualifying individual health insurance coverage
- Meet your app-based company's other eligibility requirements
Your app-based company determines your eligibility and pays the stipend.
How much is the stipend?
The amount depends on your average engaged time:
- 15 to 25 hours per week: 50% of the applicable stipend
- 25 hours or more per week: 100% of the applicable stipend
The stipend amount is based on the average statewide monthly premium for an individual Covered California Bronze plan and can change from year to year.
For 2027, the applicable stipend amounts will be based on Covered California's 2027 average Bronze premium.
How are my hours calculated?
Your eligibility is based on your average engaged time over the applicable quarter.
Engaged time generally means the time from when you accept a ride or delivery until you complete it. Time spent waiting between rides or deliveries generally does not count.
For example, if you average at least 15 hours of engaged time per week over the quarter, you may qualify for the 50% stipend. If you average 25 or more hours per week, you may qualify for the full stipend.
What health insurance qualifies?
Your health insurance generally needs to be an individual health plan that you pay for directly.
Qualifying coverage can include a Marketplace plan purchased through Covered California or another individual-market plan. Coverage through Medi-Cal, Medicare, or an employer—including coverage through another job—generally does not qualify for the Prop 22 stipend.
If you qualify for financial assistance through Covered California, you may be able to receive both APTC and the Prop 22 stipend, which can reduce your net cost of coverage even further.
I don't have health insurance yet. Can I enroll outside Open Enrollment?
Possibly. Covered California has a Special Enrollment Period for app-based drivers who are new to driving or who expect to qualify for the health insurance stipend.
When applying through Covered California, look for the qualifying life event “Newly qualifies for health insurance stipend.”
You can also shop for Marketplace coverage through Stride.
How do I receive the stipend?
The company you drive or deliver for is responsible for determining your eligibility and paying the stipend.
You may need to provide proof of current health insurance coverage to your app-based company. Your company will provide instructions for submitting proof.
If you have a Covered California plan, you can obtain a Proof of Coverage document through your Covered California account. Covered California makes this document available after the applicable quarter has ended.
Where can I learn more?
For the most current information about the Prop 22 health insurance stipend, see Covered California's App-Based Drivers (Prop 22) Health Insurance Stipend Quick Guide.
You should also contact the company you drive or deliver for with questions about your specific stipend eligibility or payment.
Comments
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.