In 2020, when Prop 22 was passed in California, one of the benefits that gig workers began to receive was a healthcare stipend. This payment would be disbursed quarterly to gig workers that met the requirements. As Doordash drivers, we are all eligible for the healthcare stipend.
How do I qualify for a Doordash healthcare stipend?
You must be enrolled in an eligible healthcare plan in order to qualify for the stipend. Some of the most popular healthcare plans are from companies such as Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare and others.
Getting health insurance through "Covered California" is the easiest and most convenient way to obtain qualifying health insurance. Many dashers use a company called "Stride" that Doordash has partnered with. I have personally gotten my insurance through "Covered California," and the rates are really good. I pay $80 per month for an excellent health plan and have done so for a couple years now. Before Prop 22 came in to effect, I did not have health insurance.
How much will I receive from the Doordash healthcare stipend?
If you average 15 active hours per week for the quarter, you will receive a $638 payment. Those that average 25 active hours per week for the quarter will receive a $1,275 payment. As you can see, this will end up reimbursing you for the monthly premiums of your healthcare bills. Plus, you will have a lot of extra money in your pocket.
I always average more than 25 active hours per week. By receiving a $1,275 payment minus the $240 I pay for three months of health care coverage, I am getting an extra $1,035 every three months. This is a little over $500 per month of earnings on top of my regular earnings.
Even if a dasher is only averaging 15 hours per week, it is still well worth it. If anybody out there is putting in the active hours and not receiving the healthcare stipend from Doordash, they are making a big mistake.
When do I receive my Doordash healthcare stipend?
The deadline to submit your information each quarter is as follows. For January, February and March, the deadline to submit your information is April 15th. For April, May and June, the deadline is July 15th. For July, August and September, the deadline is October 15th. For October, November and December, the deadline is January 15th.
Your healthcare stipend from Doordash will be credited to your Doordash account just like your regular earnings and will be credited by the end of the month. For example, let's say you want to submit your information for January, February and March. The deadline is April 15th and you submit your information beforehand. You will receive your healthcare stipend from Doordash before the end of April.
If you pay attention to your emails from Doordash, you will notice that you are sent updates that show what your active hours are up to date. This information is really helpful and will let you know what track you're on as far as what your average hours are for the current quarter. You will also receive an email from Doordash letting you know that it's time to submit your healthcare information to them. Pay attention to your emails!
What do I do to receive my Doordash healthcare stipend?
When the time comes to submit your healthcare information, as already mentioned, you will receive an email from Doordash. From that email, there is a link you can click on that will take you to a page where your info can be submitted. It is really easy to do.
Are all healthcare plans accepted for the Doordash healthcare stipend?
We mentioned some of the healthcare providers earlier. Those, as well as most major healthcare providers will be accepted. To really make sure you qualify, it's best to get your healthcare from "Covered California."
Doordash does mention that certain healthcare does not qualify. This includes any plan where you are not the primary subscriber. You have to make sure that you are the primary subscriber. Not your spouse, your parents or anyone else.
Employer sponsored health care plans will not be accepted. Tricare or Promise Health Plan also will not be accepted as well as any government provided healthcare such as Medicaid, Medicare, etc.
Should I get the healthcare stipend from Doordash?
If you put in the active hours, you certainly should. There is no reason not to take advantage of the benefits that Prop 22 offers you. As a California gig worker, you are entitled to it. Again, it's more money in your pocket, and it's always nice to know that you have some form of health care coverage to stay healthy.
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