Covered California
Last updated August 2026
Covered California is the state's own health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. Californians use coveredca.com, not healthcare.gov. It is the one place to get income-based help paying for a private plan. You can call the service center at 1-800-300-1506 on weekdays. Free certified enrollers can also help you at no cost, and most callbacks come in under 15 minutes.
Covered California works with the state Medicaid agency, so one application checks you for both programs. If your income is low enough, the same application sends you to free or low-cost Medi-Cal. If you lose Medi-Cal, you have 60 days to move into a subsidized Covered California plan. That way you do not have a gap in coverage.
Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 31, a three-month window that is longer than the shortened federal one. Outside that window, a qualifying life event opens a 60-day special enrollment period. Life events include losing Medi-Cal or job-based coverage, moving, marriage or domestic partnership, a birth or adoption, gaining lawful status, or leaving incarceration. American Indians and Alaska Natives can enroll year-round.
The extra federal help called Enhanced Premium Tax Credits ended on December 31, 2025. So people who buy 2026 coverage get smaller federal subsidies. Regular federal premium tax credits still go to households from 100 percent to 400 percent of the poverty level. Above 400 percent, there is no federal help in 2026. California adds its own state subsidy for incomes from 100 percent to 165 percent of poverty, about $25,823 a year for one person, backed by $190 million to keep the lowest premiums near their 2025 level.
Even with higher 2026 premiums, help remains and low-cost plans still exist. Some plans may cost as little as $10 a month, depending on your plan and income. The lowest-income households, under 138 percent of poverty, can pay nothing toward the benchmark Silver plan. That share rises to about 9.96 percent of income for households at 300 to 400 percent. In 2026, about 389,590 Californians got the state subsidy, averaging about $45 a month.
Phone 1-800-300-1506
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based subsidies for households between 100% and 400% of the poverty level, plus a state subsidy at lower incomes; losing job-based coverage or Medi-Cal opens a 60-day special enrollment window
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Start one application at coveredca.com; it checks you for both Medi-Cal and a subsidized plan.
- 2
Enroll during open enrollment, November 1 through January 31.
- 3
If you had a life change like losing coverage, moving, or a new baby, use your 60-day special enrollment window.
- 4
Ask a free certified enroller or call 1-800-300-1506 on weekdays for help.
- 5
Compare plans and pick one; some cost as little as $10 a month depending on income.
What to have ready
- Proof of income for your household
- Social Security numbers or immigration documents for those applying
- Details of any current health coverage. Covered California confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Do I use healthcare.gov?
No. California runs its own marketplace at coveredca.com. Healthcare.gov does not serve California.
When can I sign up?
Open enrollment is November 1 through January 31. A life change like losing coverage, moving, or having a baby opens a 60-day special enrollment window.
Are there still subsidies?
Yes. The enhanced federal credits ended December 31, 2025, but regular federal credits continue for 100 to 400 percent of poverty, plus a California state subsidy up to 165 percent of poverty.
How cheap can a plan be?
Some plans may cost as little as $10 a month, depending on your plan and income. Applying for help is free, and certified enrollers cost nothing.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
See all California programs →Free · Private · No account needed