State guide

Health Insurance in California

Health insurance in California is available through Covered California, the state-based marketplace, along with health sharing, short-term plans, Medicare, and supplemental coverage. About 6.5% of California's roughly 39.0 million residents are uninsured. California expanded Medicaid, so low-income adults may qualify for free or low-cost coverage. Prices and plan choice vary across the state's 58 counties, so where you live matters. Use the guides below to find the right lane for your situation. California is a state-based marketplace: residents enroll at Covered California (coveredca.com), not HealthCare.gov. Medi-Cal (Medicaid) is expanded here. Our table puts the uninsured rate near 6.5% across 58 counties. That combination — a state exchange, expansion, and a large county grid — is why this hub is not a HealthCare.gov clone. Confirm current plans and subsidies on Covered California.

Get matched in California See California dates

Facts on this page checked Jan 15, 2026. Sources are listed at the end.

Key facts

California, at a glance.

Marketplace: Covered California; State-based enrollment platform
Medicaid expansion: Adopted; Low-income adults may qualify for Medicaid.
Uninsured rate: ~6.5%; Approximate share of residents without coverage (KFF/Census).
Counties: 58; Plan availability and pricing vary by county.
Population: ~39.0M; U.S. Census estimate.

Approximate figures from the sources listed at the end of this page.

Open enrollment 2027

When California can enroll.

Differs from HealthCare.gov

Opens: Nov 1, 2026; Sun
For Jan 1 coverage: Check the exchange; Covered California sets this date
Last day to enroll: Jan 31, 2027; Sun

California runs its own exchange. These dates come from a secondary source (healthinsurance.org, Aug 2026). Confirm with Covered California before you rely on a date. Outside this window, a qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) can open a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicare is different.Medicare’s annual enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7, 2026. For Medicare help, visit our sister site OLYRON Medicare or Medicare.gov.

Dates checked Oct 15, 2026. Sources: HealthCare.gov: dates and deadlines; CMS statement, Jul 27, 2026.

Coverage lanes

Explore in California.

Questions

Good questions, short answers.

When is open enrollment for 2027 coverage in California?

California runs its own exchange, Covered California. Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027, according to a secondary source; confirm the dates with Covered California. A qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) opens a Special Enrollment Period at other times of year.

Where do I buy health insurance in California?

California residents enroll through Covered California. You can also buy off-Marketplace plans, health sharing, or supplemental coverage directly.

Is Medicaid available in California?

Yes. Because California expanded Medicaid, adults under a certain income may qualify regardless of family status. Eligibility is based on income and household size.

How much does health insurance cost in California?

It depends on your age, county, plan tier, and — most importantly — whether you qualify for a subsidy. Many California enrollees pay well under $100/month after ACA premium tax credits. Use our calculators to estimate your cost.

Sources

HealthCare.gov — the official ACA Health Insurance Marketplace · reviewed 2026-01-15
KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) — health policy research · reviewed 2026-01-15
U.S. Census Bureau — health insurance coverage data · reviewed 2026-01-15
CMS Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight (marketplace types) · reviewed 2026-01-15
OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15