Covered California Open Enrollment: Dates, Deadlines and How Subsidies Really Work

California runs its own health insurance marketplace, and its rules are more generous than the federal ones: longer enrollment, state subsidies, and richer Silver plans for those who qualify. Here is the short version we give every client for 2027 coverage. Reviewed October 2026.

The dates

Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027: three months, versus November 1 through January 15 on healthcare.gov. Current members can see their 2027 renewal options starting October 1. Enroll by December 31 for coverage starting January 1. Outside those dates you need a qualifying event: losing coverage, moving, marriage, a baby, or your carrier leaving the market.

What is different for 2027

• Rates: preliminary weighted average increase of 9.9%, with carriers ranging from 5.6% (Inland Empire Health Plan) to 20.4% (Valley Health Plan). Covered California says about 60% of enrollees will see no increase in their monthly premium.
• A bigger state subsidy: $300 million, up from $190 million, now reaching household incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level ($31,920 for one person, $66,000 for a family of four). More than 500,000 Californians are projected to receive it.
• Smaller federal help: the enhanced federal premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025.
• New standard benefit designs: the Silver 70 deductible is $4,700 for 2027, and out-of-pocket maximums rise in most tiers. See the full 2027 side-by-side tables.
• Immigration status and financial help: starting in 2027, some lawfully present immigrants will no longer qualify for premium assistance, though they can still enroll in a plan at full price. Only green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA migrants pass the new check. If this affects you or a family member, call us before you choose a plan.
• Carrier changes: Molina is not renewing in rating regions 15 and 18, and CalOptima Health enters Orange County (region 18). Check your county page, and re-check your doctors before you accept an automatic renewal.

Subsidies only exist through Covered California

Premium tax credits and California’s state subsidy are available only through Covered California; the identical plan bought directly from the carrier gets zero help. If your income qualifies for Enhanced Silver 73, 87 or 94, the Silver plan’s deductibles and copays shrink dramatically. For 2027, Enhanced Silver 94 (income up to $23,940 for a single person) has a $200 deductible and a $3,000 out-of-pocket maximum, often richer than most Gold plans.

Yes, California still has a penalty

The federal mandate penalty is gone; California’s is not. For the 2025 tax year (filed in spring 2026) it is the greater of $950 per adult plus $475 per child (flat amount capped at $2,850 per household) or 2.5% of household income above the filing threshold, via FTB Form 3853. Going uninsured is not free in this state.

If you have Medi-Cal

Federal changes to Medi-Cal take effect on October 1, 2026 (immigration eligibility) and January 1, 2027 (work requirements and six-month renewals for adults 19 to 64 in the expansion group). If you lose Medi-Cal, that is a qualifying event: you can apply through Covered California outside open enrollment, and we can help you compare plans and see what subsidy you qualify for.

What we do

We are certified with Covered California and licensed with the carriers. Same plans, same prices as going direct, plus a human who checks your doctors, your drugs and your subsidy math. It costs you nothing. Book a free call, call (855) 847-7020, or start with your county’s carrier list.