California's state-based health exchange since 2013
Get a QuoteNew federal rule changes may affect your health insurance through Affordable Care Act marketplaces like Covered California. These could increase costs and create additional steps to enroll.
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.
The federal government has made changes that will affect eligibility and benefits, however most Medi-Cal members won't see any changes. Visit Medi-Cal's website for more information.
Open enrollment for plan year 2026 will be from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
It's possible that the federal government will shorten open enrollment for plan year 2027 — from November 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
Financial help will still be available next year (2026), but many enrollees will receive less than they did before.
The federal government increased financial help for some people in 2021 through Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. Unless Congress acts, the increased help will end on December 31, 2025.
Some people end up receiving too much financial help to lower their monthly premiums because their household income is listed incorrectly on their application.
While filing 2026 federal taxes in 2027, people who receive too much financial help will now have to pay back the full amount they owe. Before, the amount they had to pay back was capped based on their incomes.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients are no longer eligible for health or dental insurance through Covered California. The federal government ended their insurance on August 31, 2025.
In 2027, only certain immigrant groups will be eligible for financial help to help pay for their insurance:
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 if they experience certain life changes (such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby).
Starting in September 2025, the automatic 60-day extension to fix income inconsistencies will no longer be available. People will have the standard 95 days to resolve it instead. People who need more time can call Covered California.
Additional changes for 2026 are being finalized by the federal government.
In 2028, you will need to prove that you qualify for financial help before receiving it. Unlike before, financial help won't be given during the time it takes to fix any data issues (in most cases).
In 2026, Bronze and minimum coverage (catastrophic) plans through Covered California will count as high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that let you contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). Before, some of these plans didn't qualify because of how they were designed.
In 2026, you can use money from your HSA to pay for direct primary care fees, which is a monthly membership fee that lets you get a range of primary care services. Individuals can use up to $150 a month and families can use up to $300 a month.
Though there are some changes to federal rules, health insurance companies in California still must provide gender-affirming care because of state rules that protect against discrimination. All health plans through Covered California cover this care.
Some consumers will receive enhanced renewal notices that outline their current health plan and compare it to an alternative, lower-priced health plan option. Please review your options and choose a health plan that best meets your needs.
If consumers don't renew their health coverage by the renewal deadline, Covered California will automatically reenroll them in the same or most similar health plan, as eligible. The automatic renewal process will begin after November 1. It's important for consumers to review their options and make any necessary changes before that date.
Update your information and renew your current health plan by November 1.
Change to a new health plan by December 31, 2025, for a January 1, 2026, start date.
Final deadline is January 31, 2026; coverage may not start until later depending on when you enroll.
The updated Renewal Toolkit includes several resources to help consumers understand and identify their best coverage options for plan year 2026:
Our licensed agents can help you navigate these federal changes and find the right coverage for your needs.