Covered California dates for 2027 coverage
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment starts for 2027 plans. |
| December 31, 2026 | Last day to enroll for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. |
| January 2027 | Enroll in January for a plan that starts February 1, 2027. |
| January 31, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends. |
Outside Open Enrollment you need a qualifying life event, like losing other coverage, getting married or moving. Covered California says that window usually lasts 60 days from the event. See special enrollment periods.
For 2027, Covered California announced a preliminary weighted average rate increase of 9.9%, with 12 insurers offering plans and CalOptima Health joining. Rates were still subject to final review when announced.
Federal tax credits and California's own subsidy
- Federal premium tax credits still lower premiums for many enrollees. The enhanced federal credits ended December 31, 2025, so some people pay more in 2026. See premium tax credit.
- California Premium Subsidy, 2026: the state set aside $190 million for enrollees with incomes up to 165% of the federal poverty level. Covered California reported 389,590 people enrolled in plans with state subsidies at the close of 2026 Open Enrollment, with an average benefit of $45 a month.
- California Premium Subsidy, 2027: Covered California says the state set aside $300 million and extended eligibility to incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level in 2027 (about $31,920 for one person).
- 2027 federal changes: starting January 1, 2027, only certain immigrant groups, such as lawful permanent residents, can get financial help. Starting with the 2026 tax year (filed in 2027), people who got too much financial help may have to repay the full amount, with no income-based cap.
- HSAs: since January 1, 2026, Covered California says Bronze plans and the minimum coverage (catastrophic) plan count as high-deductible plans that allow HSA contributions. See high-deductible health plan.
Covered California's own tools will show your exact price. Your price depends on your income, household size, age and ZIP code.
California's coverage mandate and penalty
California requires residents to have qualifying health coverage (minimum essential coverage) for each month of the year for themselves, their spouse or domestic partner, and their dependents, get an exemption, or pay a penalty when they file their state tax return. The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) sets and collects it.
| Tax year 2025 penalty | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flat amount, per adult | $950 |
| Flat amount, per dependent child | $475 |
| Income-based amount | 2.5% of gross income above the state filing threshold |
| What you owe | Whichever is higher |
- Exemptions are mostly claimed on your state return with Form FTB 3853. Examples include income below the filing threshold, a short coverage gap of three consecutive months or less, and coverage that's unaffordable.
- For its affordability exemption in 2026, Covered California considers coverage unaffordable if it costs more than 8.05% of projected household income. For the 2025 tax year, the FTB's threshold on the state return was 7.28%.
- Some hardship and religious conscience exemptions go through Covered California instead. The affordability hardship exemption covers future months only, and Covered California doesn't accept applications after November 30.
This is general information, not tax advice. Check the FTB Penalty Estimator or ask a tax advisor about your situation.
Medi-Cal or Covered California?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program: free or low-cost coverage for people with lower incomes. Covered California says most adults qualify with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, and children up to 266%. One Covered California application checks you for both Medi-Cal and Covered California financial help. You can also apply through your county Medi-Cal office.
Federal changes in 2026 affect some Medi-Cal eligibility and benefits, though Covered California says most members won't see changes. Check the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) or your county office for your situation. If you lose Medi-Cal, that loss can qualify you to enroll in a Covered California plan outside Open Enrollment.
How to enroll, and where Gabriel fits
- Gather your details: everyone in your household, expected 2027 income, current coverage, and your doctors and prescriptions.
- Apply online at coveredca.com, by phone at (800) 300-1506 (TTY (888) 889-4500), or with free help from a certified enroller or licensed agent.
- Compare plans on the premium after financial help, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum and the network.
- Pick by December 31 for January 1 coverage, then pay the first premium.
Gabriel can quote Marketplace plans for your ZIP code and household, show the price after any tax credit, and open your own application with a licensed agent in most states. You choose the plan and finish the application. Separate from insurance, Gabriel Core is $49 per adult a month (kids under 18 included) with member prices close to cost on lab tests, supplements, prescriptions and bioregulators, plus unlimited virtual urgent care and virtual primary care.
Gabriel is not an insurer. Health insurance quotes and enrollment are handled by Gabriel Labs, Gabriel's separately licensed insurance agency. Gabriel membership is not health insurance, doesn't count as minimum essential coverage, and doesn't replace a health plan's protection against large medical bills.
Common questions
When is open enrollment in California for 2027?
Covered California's Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Enroll by December 31 for coverage starting January 1, or in January for coverage starting February 1.
Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in California?
Yes. For tax year 2025, the FTB penalty is the higher of $950 per adult and $475 per child, or 2.5% of gross income above the filing threshold, unless you qualify for an exemption.
Does California have its own health insurance subsidy?
Yes. In 2026 the California Premium Subsidy helps enrollees with incomes up to 165% of the federal poverty level. Covered California says it extends to incomes up to 200% of the poverty level in 2027.
Do I apply for Medi-Cal separately?
No. One Covered California application checks you for both Medi-Cal and Covered California financial help. You can also apply through your county Medi-Cal office.
Can I buy a California plan outside Covered California?
You can buy some plans directly from insurers, but federal tax credits and the California Premium Subsidy only apply to plans bought through Covered California.
Sources
- Open enrollment Covered California
- Covered California rates and plans for 2027 Covered California
- Covered California ends open enrollment with state subsidies keeping renewals steady Covered California
- Important changes to health insurance Covered California
- Personal health care mandate California Franchise Tax Board
- Penalty details and exemptions Covered California
- Medi-Cal Covered California
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.