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Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance Through Covered California

Integrated Care from California's Leading HMO

All-in-One Care
Doctors, specialists, pharmacy
39 Medical Centers
Across California
Award-Winning
Nationally recognized care
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Why Choose Kaiser Permanente?

Kaiser Permanente offers an integrated healthcare model that sets it apart from traditional health insurance plans.

Integrated Care Model

Your doctors, specialists, hospital, pharmacy, and lab all work together as one team. This means better coordinated care and fewer gaps in your treatment.

Electronic Health Records

All your health information is in one secure digital record that your entire care team can access. No more repeating your medical history at every appointment.

Preventive Care Focus

Kaiser emphasizes keeping you healthy with comprehensive preventive services, wellness programs, and early detection screenings—all at no additional cost.

Digital-First Experience

Schedule appointments, video chat with doctors, refill prescriptions, view test results, and email your care team—all through the Kaiser Permanente app.

Award-Winning Quality

Kaiser Permanente consistently earns top ratings from NCQA and other independent organizations for quality, patient safety, and member satisfaction.

Coordinated Specialists

When you need to see a specialist, your primary care doctor coordinates the referral and ensures everyone on your care team is informed and working together.

Kaiser Plans Available Through Covered California

Kaiser Permanente offers HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans in all four metal tiers through Covered California. Each tier offers the same comprehensive coverage but with different cost-sharing structures.

Important: Kaiser does not offer PPO plans through Covered California. All Kaiser plans are HMO, meaning you'll need to choose a Kaiser primary care doctor and get care within the Kaiser network.
Metal Tier Coverage Level Best For Monthly Premium
Bronze 60% coverage Healthy individuals, lower monthly costs Lowest
Silver 70% coverage Most popular, balanced costs Moderate
Gold 80% coverage Frequent doctor visits, lower out-of-pocket Higher
Platinum 90% coverage Maximum coverage, chronic conditions Highest

All Kaiser plans through Covered California include:

  • Preventive care at no cost
  • Essential health benefits
  • No lifetime or annual dollar limits
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Mental health and substance abuse services
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Kaiser's California Network

Kaiser Permanente has one of the largest integrated healthcare networks in California.

39
Medical Centers
23,000+
Physicians
270+
Facilities

Major Service Areas:

  • Southern California: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino)
  • Northern California: San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, San Jose, Fresno
  • Central Valley: Modesto, Stockton, Bakersfield
Check Availability: Kaiser is not available in all California counties. Make sure there's a Kaiser facility near you before enrolling.
Find a Kaiser Location Near You

Digital Tools & Member Benefits

Kaiser Permanente offers comprehensive digital tools to manage your health anytime, anywhere.

Kaiser Permanente App

  • View lab results instantly
  • Schedule and manage appointments
  • Message your care team
  • Access your medical records
  • Get health reminders

Video Visits

  • See your doctor from home
  • Available 24/7 for urgent care
  • Same copay as in-person visits
  • Get prescriptions sent to pharmacy
  • No travel time or waiting rooms

Prescription Management

  • Refill prescriptions online
  • Mail-order delivery available
  • Set up automatic refills
  • Track your prescriptions
  • Compare drug costs

Secure Messaging

  • Email your doctor directly
  • Ask non-urgent questions
  • Request prescription refills
  • Get test results explained
  • Usually answered within 2 days

How to Enroll in Kaiser Permanente

1

Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you're eligible for Covered California and that Kaiser is available in your area. Use our subsidy calculator to see if you qualify for financial assistance.

Calculate Eligibility
2

Compare Kaiser Plans

Review the different Kaiser plan options (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and compare costs, coverage levels, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Compare Plans
3

Enroll During Open Enrollment

Sign up during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 - January 31) or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event.

4

Choose Your Doctor

Select a Kaiser primary care physician from their network. Your doctor will coordinate all your care and refer you to specialists when needed.

Financial Assistance Available

Most Californians qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies can significantly lower your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about financial assistance.

Need Help Enrolling?

Our certified enrollment counselors can help you understand your options, compare plans, and complete your application at no cost to you.

Get Free Enrollment Help

Frequently Asked Questions

All Kaiser plans include comprehensive coverage: preventive care, doctor visits, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, lab work, mental health services, maternity care, and pediatric services including dental and vision for children under 19. You'll also have access to Kaiser's integrated healthcare system and digital tools.

For most specialists, you'll need a referral from your primary care doctor. However, this is actually a benefit—your primary care doctor coordinates all your care, ensuring specialists have your complete medical history and that everyone is working together on your treatment plan. Some services like OB-GYN care may not require referrals.

Kaiser operates primarily in major California metro areas. If you don't have convenient access to a Kaiser facility, you may want to consider other Covered California carriers that offer broader networks. You can compare all available carriers and their service areas using our plan comparison tool.

Costs vary based on your age, location, plan tier, and household income. Most Californians qualify for premium tax credits that reduce monthly premiums. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, while Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower costs when you get care. Use our subsidy calculator to see your actual costs.

Kaiser Permanente provides emergency and urgent care coverage nationwide. If you're traveling or temporarily living outside California, you can get emergency care anywhere and urgent care at other Kaiser regions. However, for routine care, you'll need to visit Kaiser facilities in California or where Kaiser operates.

Ready to Enroll in Kaiser Permanente?

Get started with comparing plans, calculating your costs, or speaking with a certified enrollment counselor.

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