Health insurance in California, 2027
California runs its own marketplace, adds its own help paying on top of the federal tax credit, and still requires coverage. Here is what that means for you.
Last checked November 4, 2026 · Written by licensed advisors · Sources are numbered and listed under Notes and sources
California runs its own marketplace
California residents buy Marketplace plans through Covered California, the state’s own marketplace, not HealthCare.gov. The plans follow the same federal rules; the website, your account and the dates are California’s.
For 2027, Covered California says 12 insurers will offer plans statewide. Rates are up about 9.9% on average, a preliminary figure, and they vary a lot by region.1
- Marketplace
- Covered California
- Insurers in 2027
- 12
- Average rate change
- +9.9% (preliminary)
- Coverage required
- Yes, by state law
California plans for 2027, checked for you
A Certified Insurance Advisor compares the plans sold in California, checks your doctors and prescriptions, and explains how Covered California works, at no cost to you.
By calling this number, you will reach a licensed insurance agent.
The dates for 2027
Covered California open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027. That is longer than the HealthCare.gov window. To have coverage start on January 1, enroll by December 31. Enroll in January and coverage starts February 1.
These are the dates Covered California publishes today. A federal rule change could still move them, and we recheck on December 1.
Losing other coverage, moving or a change in your household can open a special enrollment period outside these dates.21
- November 1Open enrollment starts (key step)
- December 31Last day to enroll for coverage that starts January 1 (key step)
- January 31, 2027Open enrollment ends
- February 1Coverage starts for plans chosen in January
Heads up: California’s January 1 deadline is December 31, not the December 15 you will see for HealthCare.gov states.
Two layers of help paying
The federal tax credit works the way it does in other states. For 2027 it reaches households up to 4 times the federal poverty level: $63,840 for one person, or $132,000 for a family of four. Above that there is no federal credit.
On top of it, California has a state premium subsidy program for households with income up to 200% of the poverty level in 2027, which is $31,920 for one person or $66,000 for a family of four. The state has set aside $300 million for it, and Covered California projects more than 500,000 people will get state help.
What a household actually pays depends on income, age, county and the plan chosen. Any figure here is an example of where the lines fall, not an amount you will receive.134
Medi-Cal: when to apply instead
Who it affects: Adults with income under about 138% of the poverty level, and children at higher incomes.
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. California has expanded it, so adults under about 138% of the poverty level can qualify: about $22,025 a year for one person in 2026. Children can qualify at higher incomes.
Covered California notes that, depending on income, some people may qualify for low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal. If you do, you apply for Medi-Cal rather than buying a marketplace plan, and you can apply any time of year.
Federal law adds work, volunteer or school requirements for many adult Medi-Cal members starting in 2027. The state posts the details and start dates, and we will tell you what applies to your household.15367
- Adults under about 1.38× the poverty line
- Children at higher incomes
- Apply any time of year
- Income above the Medi-Cal line
- State help up to 2× the poverty line
- A federal tax credit up to 4×
- Open enrollment or a life event
California still requires coverage
Who it affects: California residents who file a state tax return.
The federal fee ended after 2018, but California has its own requirement. If you and your tax household go without qualifying coverage and have no exemption, you may owe a penalty when you file your California return. The state’s Franchise Tax Board, not Covered California, collects it.
The amount depends on income and household size, and it changes by tax year. The Franchise Tax Board’s own instructions for Form FTB 3853 show how it is worked out.891011
Plans and insurers in California for 2027
CalOptima Health joins Covered California in 2027 in Orange County. Molina Healthcare stops offering marketplace plans in northeast Los Angeles County and Orange County; Covered California says about 1,600 members there will pick a new plan or be moved to the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier.
Which plans you can buy depends on your county, so the list for your ZIP code is the one that counts.1
What to do: Send us your ZIP code, your doctors and your prescriptions, and we will help you check which plans in your county list them.
Talk it through with a licensed advisor
Our agency is licensed in California. Call us and we will explain how Covered California works, how the state help and the federal credit fit together, and what to have ready before you apply, at no cost to you.
You apply and enroll through Covered California itself. It also lists free certified help on its website.1213
Ready to see your California options? An advisor is one call away.
By calling this number, you will reach a licensed insurance agent.
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Obamacare Hotline and/or Medicare Po Polsku are private companies not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency. This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice.