Covered California 2027: enroll by December 31 for coverage on January 1
Tatiana Gerberg, CSFP — independent insurance broker in California. CA license #0D83407. Phone 619-925-8000.
We are licensed and certified insurance agents in California. Our help is free for you.
Key dates
Open enrollment: Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027
Enroll by Dec 31: plan starts Jan 1. Enroll in January: plan starts Feb 1.
What changed for 2027
| Rates: +9.9% statewide, +13.1% in San Diego County |
| State help: program grew to $300 million. Income up to 200% FPL ($31,920 for one person, $66,000 for a family of 4) |
| Federal extra tax credits ended Dec 31, 2025, so many people pay more |
| Tax year 2026: extra subsidy must be paid back in full, no cap. Report income carefully. |
| 2028: income must be proven before help is applied |
What happens if I do nothing during open enrollment?
If you do nothing, Covered California usually renews your plan for 2027. Your price can change, and your financial help is based on the income in your file. If your income or family changed, update it before the deadline.
Read this answer →Why is my health insurance price higher for 2027?
Prices go up when carriers raise rates, when your subsidy changes, or when your income on file changes. Covered California reported an average rate increase of 9.9% statewide for 2027 and 13.1% in the San Diego area. Your own price depends on your plan, age and subsidy. Send me your renewal notice and I will explain it.
Read this answer →How is my subsidy calculated? What if my income changes?
Your help with the monthly price is based on your expected household income for the year and your family size. The federal government pays part. In 2027 California also adds its own help for many households. If your income changes during the year, update Covered California. Wrong income can mean you owe money at tax time.
Read this answer →What is the deadline for Covered California 2027? What if I miss it?
Open enrollment runs November 1 to January 31. Choose a plan by December 31 for coverage starting January 1. Choose a plan in January for coverage starting February 1. After January 31 you can enroll only if you have a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage.
Read this answer →I lost my job or changed jobs. Can I enroll outside open enrollment?
Often yes. Losing other health coverage is a qualifying life event. You usually have a limited time to enroll, so act fast. Other events can also qualify, such as moving or changes in your family. Tell me what happened and the date, and I will tell you the next step.
Read this answer →Gerberg Financial & Insurance Agency, LLC is a licensed insurance agency in California. We are not Covered California or Medi-Cal staff. Rates and rules can change. Not legal or tax advice.
