Covered California 2027 open enrollment started Nov. 1, 2026, and it runs through Jan. 31, 2027. However, people who want coverage for all of 2027 must pick a plan by Dec. 31, according to the state exchange’s Oct. 30 announcement.
That split matters for Los Angeles residents who buy their own insurance. The exchange says more than 1.7 million Californians are enrolled now, so many households face a renewal decision this month.
Covered California 2027 dates and deadlines
Open enrollment gives you three months, but the first date is the one that counts. Choose a plan by Dec. 31, and coverage can run for the full year. Choose later, and the start date moves into 2027. Outside the window, you generally need a qualifying life event, although Medi-Cal enrollment stays open all year.
The Service Center takes calls at (800) 300-1506, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It closes on weekends and on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Free help is also available from certified enrollers, who work in person or by phone and speak many languages. The exchange counts 16,000 of them statewide and says 99.6% of Californians live about 15 minutes from in-person help.
What it costs and who gets help
Congress let enhanced federal premium tax credits expire last year. California had received about $2.5 billion a year in federal money before that. In response, the state is raising its State Subsidy Program from $190 million in 2026 to $300 million in 2027.
State help reaches people with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level. That is $31,920 for one person and $66,000 for a family of four. The exchange projects that more than 500,000 Californians, about 30% of enrollees, will get a state subsidy.
Here are the numbers the exchange published as of Nov. 4, 2026:
- 55% of enrollees will see no increase in their monthly premium.
- 725,000 enrollees (41%) pay $100 or less per month.
- 358,000 enrollees (20%) pay $0 per month.
- Nearly 200,000 people can choose from two $0 Silver plans.
- 12 insurers offer plans for 2027, and one of them is new.
The release did not give a statewide average premium change, so check your own quote. Prices vary by region, age, income and plan level. “Coverage may be more affordable than you think,” said Executive Director Jessica Altman.
Who is still uninsured, and what to do next
The exchange estimates that about 1.1 million eligible Californians have no coverage. Of those, 461,000 qualify for Covered California subsidies, and 682,000 qualify for low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal. So a quick eligibility check could change the picture for many households.
The release also mentions federal changes to the public charge rule, which affect eligibility for some lawfully present immigrants. The exchange says these changes do not affect most immigrants.
First, compare plans and check your financial help at Covered California’s open enrollment page. Then confirm your doctors and prescriptions are in the plan network. Finally, pay your first premium on time. Older adults weighing Medicare should read our guide on Medicare Advantage plan endings for LA seniors, and our explainer on monthly health insurance costs covers typical prices. More explainers sit in the health and sports hub.
This is general information, not medical or insurance advice. Read the official Covered California announcement for the full details.