There are three different ways you will be able to receive assistance with you health insurance plan premiums in 2014: tax credits, subsidies, and Medi-Cal.

Tax credits are available for those who meet certain income requirements and do not have health insurance through a government program or their employer. Individuals and families who make between 138 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for a tax credit. The tax credit is based on a sliding scale with factors such as income, family size, age, and where you live influencing the amount of your assistance. If you qualify, you get the tax credit taken out of your health insurance premium. Visit Covered California’s fact sheet for more information.

Helpful Hint: Tax credits can only be used in the insurance exchange, Covered California.

Subsidies:  Cost-sharing subsidies are offered by the federal government to lower your health care cost. These subsidies assist individuals with high out-of-pocket costs at the time of medical care.

Medi-Cal: In 2014, California is planning to expand the Medi-Cal (Medicaid program in California) to cover individuals under the age of 65 (including those with disabilities) with an individual income of less than $15,000 for $31,180 for a family of four.

Kaiser Family Foundation has created this subsidy calculator tool to help you estimate your premium assistance in 2014