California health insurance for individuals and families is sold through Covered California, the state’s own exchange, not HealthCare.gov. Open Enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027; enroll by December 31 for January 1 coverage. Adults up to 138% FPL may qualify for Medi-Cal, and California adds a state subsidy up to 200% FPL.
Updated October 2026 for the 2027 plan year. Income figures use the 2026 federal poverty guidelines; where a 2027 figure is not yet final, the 2026 figure is labeled.
Key facts (2027 plan year)
- Covered California Open Enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027; current enrollees could renew or switch from October 1 (Covered California).
- Preliminary 2027 rates rose a weighted average of 9.9%, ranging from 8.0% to 14.9% by region (Covered California).
- California’s state premium subsidy covers incomes up to 200% FPL ($31,920 for one person, $66,000 for a family of four) and is projected to reach more than 500,000 people in 2027 (Covered California).
- 12 insurers sell Covered California plans for 2027; CalOptima Health joins in Orange County and Molina leaves Regions 15 and 18 (Covered California).
- Medi-Cal work requirements start January 1, 2027 and six-month renewals start March 1, 2027 for expansion adults 19–64 (DHCS).
- Federal premium tax credits stop above 400% FPL: $63,840 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four (HHS poverty guidelines).
- How California health insurance works
- Who each coverage type is for
- Medi-Cal: who qualifies
- Medi-Cal changes in 2026 and 2027
- 2027 costs, subsidies & California state help
- Metal tiers explained
- Covered California open enrollment 2027
- Which insurers sell plans for 2027?
- How Honesty helps Californians compare
- Frequently asked questions
How California health insurance works
California health insurance works differently from most states. California runs its own state exchange, Covered California, rather than using the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace. That is the single most important thing to know: Californians shop, compare plans, apply subsidies, and enroll at CoveredCA.com, not HealthCare.gov. Covered California is where income-based financial help is applied, and it is the only place to claim California’s extra state subsidy.
Every Covered California plan covers the same ten essential health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, maternity, and mental health. Plans differ in monthly premium, deductible, and network, not in whether they cover the basics. That is why comparing total yearly cost, not just the premium, matters so much.
If your income is low enough, you may skip Marketplace premiums entirely and qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. To understand the broader system, see our guide to the health insurance Marketplace.
Who each coverage type is for
California health insurance is not one product. There is no single right plan. The best coverage depends on your household income, health needs, and how you prefer to get care. Honesty compares ACA, alternative, and ancillary plans so you see the full picture, not just one carrier’s shelf.
ACA Marketplace plans
Best for most individuals and families who want comprehensive coverage with subsidy help through Covered California. These plans cannot deny you for pre-existing conditions and include all essential benefits.
Alternative plans
May suit healthy people who need a temporary bridge or a lower monthly cost and understand the trade-offs. These are not ACA plans and may not cover pre-existing conditions, so read the fine print carefully.
Ancillary plans
Dental, vision, accident, and similar add-ons that fill gaps around a main medical plan. They work alongside, not instead of, major medical coverage.
Not sure which lane is yours? Our guide on how to choose a health plan walks through the decision step by step.
Who qualifies for Medi-Cal in California?
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, and California is a Medicaid expansion state. That means adults can qualify based on income alone, whether or not they have children. For millions of Californians, Medi-Cal is low-cost or no-cost comprehensive coverage.
You may qualify for Medi-Cal if you are a California resident with household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. For most adults ages 19 to 64, eligibility is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income with no asset test, so you can own a home, a car, and savings and still qualify. The asset limit California brought back on January 1, 2026 applies mainly to people 65 or older, people with disabilities and nursing home residents, according to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Medi-Cal income guide (138% FPL, no asset test, 2026 poverty guidelines): $22,025/year for one person and $45,540/year for a family of four. Income near these limits should still apply, since the numbers update each year.
Medi-Cal enrollment is open year-round, not just during Open Enrollment, so you can apply the moment you qualify. When you apply through Covered California, the system automatically checks whether you fall into Medi-Cal or Marketplace-with-subsidy territory. If your income is just above the Medi-Cal line, subsidies pick up where Medi-Cal stops.
Honesty checks both in one conversation, free and private.
What is changing in Medi-Cal in 2026 and 2027?
Medi-Cal is changing in several steps because of the 2025 federal budget law (H.R. 1) and California’s own budget. The biggest changes for working-age adults are work requirements from January 1, 2027 and eligibility checks every six months from March 1, 2027. DHCS says it will mail details to affected members before each rule starts.
| Start date | Change | Who it affects |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Asset limit reinstated | People 65+, people with disabilities, nursing home residents and some families outside the federal tax-based income rules |
| January 1, 2026 | Enrollment freeze for full-scope coverage | Some adults, depending on immigration status |
| January 1, 2027 | Work, volunteer, school or training requirement | Adults 19–64 covered through the ACA expansion, with exemptions |
| March 1, 2027 | Eligibility checked twice a year instead of once | Adults 19–64 covered through the ACA expansion |
| July 1, 2027 | Full-scope dental ends and monthly fees begin for some members | Some adults, depending on immigration status; children and pregnant people exempt |
Exemptions from the work requirement include people who are pregnant or postpartum, disabled or medically frail, and caregivers, under the federal rule CMS issued in June 2026. If you lose Medi-Cal because of a missed renewal or the new rules, that loss of coverage can open a Special Enrollment Period at Covered California, so you don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment.
Tip: Keep your mailing address, phone and email current with your county Medi-Cal office, and answer every renewal packet. Most coverage losses after a renewal are paperwork, not eligibility.
2027 costs, subsidies & California state help
California health insurance costs depend on your age, region, plan tier, and tobacco use, but subsidies change what you actually pay. The federal subsidy is an advance premium tax credit based on income, and it is applied directly to your monthly bill. On top of that, California funds its own state premium subsidy that most other states do not offer.
The big federal change already happened: the enhanced premium tax credits that boosted savings from 2021 through 2025 expired December 31, 2025 and were not extended. In 2026, KFF found subsidized enrollees’ net premium payments more than doubled on average nationally (about +114%). For 2027 coverage, federal subsidies still exist but are smaller, and the 400% federal poverty level cliff still applies. Covered California’s preliminary 2027 rates rose a weighted average of 9.9%, below the national preliminary median, so comparing plans carefully matters more than ever.
Here is where California is different. For 2027, the state increased its premium subsidy funding by more than half over 2026 and expanded eligibility to households up to 200% of the federal poverty level ($31,920 for one person or $66,000 for a family of four). Covered California projects more than 500,000 Californians will receive this state help in 2027, about 30% of enrollees. You can only claim it through Covered California.
| Item | 2027 figure (typical) | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Benchmark Silver premium | Covered California 2027 rates up 9.9% on average (preliminary), on top of the sharp 2026 increases | Your starting point before credits apply |
| After subsidy | Most subsidized enrollees pay far less than the sticker price | Income-based credits can cut the bill sharply |
| Enhanced federal credits | Expired Dec 31, 2025 (not extended for 2027) | Federal subsidies remain but are smaller than before |
| California state subsidy | Incomes up to 200% FPL | Extra state help, only via Covered California |
| Federal subsidy cliff (400% FPL) | ~$63,840 individual / ~$132,000 family of 4 | Above this, no federal premium tax credit for 2027 |
Dig deeper into savings in our breakdown of health insurance subsidies for 2027 and ways to lower cost in our affordable health insurance guide.
Never assume you earn too much to qualify. With the 400% cliff back, a small income change can flip your federal subsidy on or off, and California’s state help has its own thresholds. Run your real numbers before deciding you cannot afford a plan.
Metal tiers explained
Covered California plans come in metal tiers that describe how you and the plan split costs, not the quality of care. A higher tier means a higher premium but less you pay when you need care.
| Tier | Plan pays ~ | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | Lower premium, higher out-of-pocket; healthy and rarely at the doctor |
| Silver | 70% | Balanced; unlocks cost-sharing reductions if income qualifies |
| Gold | 80% | Frequent care or ongoing conditions |
| Platinum | 90% | Highest premium, lowest cost at care |
Catastrophic plans are also available for people under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. If your income is modest, a Silver plan can be the smartest pick because it unlocks extra cost-sharing reductions that Bronze and Gold do not. Covered California standardizes plan designs within each tier, so the same-tier plans share deductibles and copays, making it easier to compare on network and premium.
When is Covered California open enrollment for 2027?
Enrolling in California health insurance is straightforward when you know the windows, and California gives you more time than most states. For 2027 coverage, Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027, about two weeks longer than the federal January 15 deadline used by HealthCare.gov states. Enroll by December 31, 2026 for coverage starting January 1, 2027; enroll in January for coverage starting February 1. Current enrollees can renew or switch plans starting October 1.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2026 | Current Covered California enrollees can renew or switch plans |
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment opens for everyone |
| December 31, 2026 | Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| January 31, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends; January sign-ups start February 1 |
| Year-round | Medi-Cal applications and Special Enrollment Periods after a life event |
The Covered California deadline is about two weeks later than the January 15 deadline in HealthCare.gov states. If you just moved to California from another state, your move itself can open a Special Enrollment Period.
- Gather your details. Household size, estimated 2027 income, and current doctors or prescriptions.
- Apply at Covered California. One application checks Medi-Cal and Marketplace subsidies, including California’s state help, at the same time.
- Compare plans. Apply your subsidy, then weigh premium, deductible, and network together.
- Enroll and confirm. Pay your first premium so coverage starts on time.
Missed the window? A special enrollment period may open if you lose coverage, move, marry, or have a baby, and Medi-Cal is available year-round. See our Open Enrollment 2027 guide for exact dates and triggers.
Which insurers sell Covered California plans for 2027?
Twelve health insurance carriers will offer Covered California plans across the state in 2027, according to Covered California’s 2027 rates announcement. Which ones you can buy depends on your rating region and ZIP code.
- New for 2027: CalOptima Health enters the marketplace in Region 18 to serve Orange County.
- Leaving: Molina Healthcare will no longer offer marketplace plans in Regions 15 and 18. Covered California says about 1,600 enrollees are affected; they can pick a new plan or be moved to the lowest-cost carrier in the same metal tier.
- Rates vary by region: preliminary average changes range from 8.0% in Region 2 to 14.9% in Region 13, and final rates take effect January 1, 2027 after review by the Department of Managed Health Care.
Because Covered California standardizes plan designs, the real differences between carriers are the network, the drug list and the premium. Check that your doctors and hospital are in-network before you choose.
How Honesty helps Californians compare
Honesty is a consumer-first marketplace that is on your side. Honesty.AI is a licensed, unbiased AI insurance agent that compares ACA, alternative, and ancillary plans across carriers, applies your subsidies, and can enroll you in minutes. Honesty is licensed in California, so the help you get is real and accountable, not a lead-gen form.
Because Honesty never earns more by steering you to one carrier, it stays unbiased among insurers and biased in your favor. It compares based on your family’s needs, not a commission chart, and it knows California health insurance runs through Covered California.
Omnichannel. Get help 24/7 by chat, voice, or text, whenever questions come up.
Privacy-first. We never sell or share your data, and no spam calls, with bank-level encryption and PCI/CCPA, NIST-aligned security.
Compares by need. Honesty weighs your doctors, prescriptions, and budget to match the right plan.
That is what “Honesty Is Your Best Policy®” means in practice: unbiased comparison, your privacy protected, and a plan chosen for you.
Find your California health plan the honest way
Compare every 2027 Covered California plan, check your Medi-Cal and subsidy eligibility, and enroll in minutes, free and private.
California health insurance FAQ
Does California have its own health insurance exchange?
Yes. California runs its own state exchange, Covered California, instead of using the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace. Californians enroll, compare plans, and apply subsidies at CoveredCA.com, which is also the only place to claim California’s state premium subsidy.
Who qualifies for Medi-Cal in California?
California residents with household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. For most adults ages 19 to 64 there is no asset test, and Medi-Cal enrollment is open year-round. Under the 2026 poverty guidelines that is $22,025 per year for one person or $45,540 for a family of four.
How much does health insurance cost in California in 2027?
Sticker prices rose sharply nationwide in 2026, and Covered California’s preliminary 2027 rates are up 9.9% on average. Federal and California state subsidies lower that for many people, and most subsidized enrollees pay far less than the sticker price. Your actual cost depends on income, age, and region.
Does California have its own health insurance subsidy?
Yes. For 2027 California increased funding by more than half over 2026 for a state premium subsidy that helps enrollees with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level, on top of federal tax credits. It is available only through Covered California, which projects more than 500,000 Californians will receive it.
When is open enrollment for Covered California?
For 2027 coverage, open enrollment runs November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027, longer than the federal January 15 deadline. Enroll by December 31, 2026 for January 1 coverage, or in January for February 1 coverage. Medi-Cal is available year-round.
What is changing with Medi-Cal in 2027?
Starting January 1, 2027, many adults ages 19 to 64 covered through the ACA expansion must work, volunteer, go to school or be in training, with exemptions. From March 1, 2027, their eligibility will be checked every six months instead of once a year.
Is Honesty licensed in California?
Yes. Honesty is licensed in California. Honesty.AI is a licensed, unbiased agent that compares ACA, alternative, and ancillary plans across carriers, applies subsidies, and can enroll you, all while protecting your privacy.
Keep learning: for more on California health insurance, explore the health insurance Marketplace, compare ways to find affordable health insurance, understand 2027 subsidies, check Open Enrollment 2027 dates, and see how to choose a health plan. In California, enroll at Covered California. For national data, see HealthCare.gov and KFF.org.
