Affordable health care is essential for every family. With federal decisions that could soon affect the cost of your coverage, now is the time to review your options for 2026.
California is taking action to protect families from rising costs and ensure that quality, affordable health care remains within reach for everyone.
Coverage options and eligibility vary by individual and household. Please contact Covered California or your insurance provider directly for detailed enrollment assistance.
Key Dates
Open Enrollment Period:
November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
To stay covered for all of 2026, select or renew your plan by December 31, 2025.
What's Changing?
- Federal Funding at Risk: The enhanced federal tax credits that have helped lower monthly premiums for millions of Californians could expire at the end of 2025 if Congress does not act.
- Possible Premium Increases: Without federal renewal, premiums could rise by nearly 97% on average for those currently receiving financial help.
- California's Response: The state has allocated $190 million to help lower-income residents keep their premiums stable, even if federal support ends. Individuals earning up to $23,475 a year (or $48,225 for a family of four) could continue paying about the same monthly premium they do today.
- Partial additional assistance will be extended to moderate-income families earning up to $25,823 per year for an individual or $53,048 for a family of four.
Who's Affected?
Nearly 30,000 people in our district are enrolled in Covered California, and more than 90% receive federal assistance to help keep their monthly premiums affordable.
If you get your health insurance through Covered California or are uninsured, this open enrollment period is your chance to review, renew or enroll in a plan for 2026.
If you receive coverage through Medi-Cal, your employer, or Medicare, you don't need to take any action — your current coverage will continue as usual.
Get Help Enrolling
Covered California offers free, confidential assistance in multiple languages through a statewide network of trained professionals. Visit the Covered California website below to get started today.
Find licensed agents and community partners across San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. Use the online map tool below to begin searching for the nearest agent or community partner near you.
Call (800) 300-1506 to speak with a Covered California representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Covered California?
Covered California is the state's official health insurance marketplace, where individuals and families can find affordable, high-quality coverage from leading insurance companies.
What are premium tax credits?
Premium tax credits are federal funds that help lower your monthly health insurance costs based on your income. Without these credits, many Californians would pay significantly higher premiums.
Why might premiums increase?
The federal government expanded premium assistance during the pandemic to make health care more affordable. If Congress doesn't renew that funding, many enrollees could lose those savings starting in 2026.
What is California doing to help?
California has set aside $190 million in state funds to protect the lowest-income enrollees from steep rate hikes. This state program will help cushion the impact if federal assistance ends.
Do these changes affect Medi-Cal?
No. Most Medi-Cal members will not see changes to their coverage.
Is preventative care impacted?
No. Preventative care remains free for all Covered California members.
Who can get Covered California coverage?
Most Californians qualify, including part-time workers, self-employed individuals, and families between jobs. Even if you think you earn too much, you may still qualify for assistance.
I am already enrolled in Covered California. Will my plan get automatically renewed?
You will be automatically re-enrolled next year with the health plan you had in 2025, as long as your plan is still available and you are still eligible.
How can I make sure I don't lose coverage?
Check your renewal notice, update your income and household information, and select your 2026 plan before the January 31, 2026 deadline.
What if I miss the deadline?
You may still qualify for a health insurance plan outside open enrollment if you've experienced a qualifying life event, usually within the last 60 days. Visit the Special Enrollment page to learn more.
Can low-income earners apply during the Special Enrollment period?
The federal government ended the special enrollment period for people with low incomes (individuals earning up to $22,590 per year or a family of four earning up to $46,800 per year). These individuals will have to enroll during open enrollment, or through special enrollment only if they experience a qualifying life event.
How are DACA recipients affected?
The federal government ended health and dental insurance through Covered California for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients effective August 31, 2025.
Is gender-affirming care affected?
No. California state law requires insurance companies to cover gender-affirming care. This includes all Covered California plans.
I Heard that the Open Enrollment Period May Shorten. Is this true?
This is not the case for plan year 2026. However, due to H.R. 1 "Big Beautiful Bill", the open enrollment period may shorten for plan year 2027. That means, the open enrollment period next year may be from November 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.