California · Plan year 2027 · Updated October 24, 2026
California health insurance for 2027
California residents buy marketplace coverage through Covered California, its own state-run exchange. Open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, and a plan picked by December 31, 2026 starts January 1. California expanded Medicaid, so adults qualify up to $22,025 a year for one person.
| Where to enroll | Covered California |
|---|---|
| 2027 open enrollment | November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027 |
| Last day for Jan 1 coverage | December 31, 2026 |
| Medicaid expansion | Yes |
| State coverage mandate | Yes, with a tax penalty |
| Short-term plans | Not sold; state law bars them |
What a plan costs in California
Covered California publishes its own plans and prices, which aren't in CMS's federal plan files, so we don't list county prices here. Get your benchmark silver price from Covered California's shopping tool and enter it in the subsidy calculator to see your credit.
Medicaid and CHIP limits in California
Yearly income limits in 2026 dollars. Medicaid checks current monthly income, so divide by 12 for the monthly figure.
| Group | % of poverty line | 1 person | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults without children | 138% | $22,025 | $29,863 | $37,702 | $45,540 |
| Parents | 138% | $22,025 | $29,863 | $37,702 | $45,540 |
| Pregnancy | 213% | $33,995 | $46,093 | $58,192 | $70,290 |
| Children under 1 | 266% | $42,454 | $57,562 | $72,671 | $87,780 |
| Children 1 to 5 | 266% | $42,454 | $57,562 | $72,671 | $87,780 |
| Children 6 to 18 | 266% | $42,454 | $57,562 | $72,671 | $87,780 |
| CHIP | - | - | - | - | - |
Extra help from California
- Covered California State Subsidy Program (Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund). Covered California enrollees with income up to 200% FPL ($31,920 single / $66,000 family of four per the release) (source)
Get a reminder before California's deadline
Email onlySources: Covered California and CMS state marketplace list (exchange and dates); MACPAC MACStats, February 2026, and state Medicaid agencies (limits); HHS 2026 poverty guidelines; IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26. All checked October 24, 2026. Methods.
Questions people ask
When is open enrollment in California for 2027?
Covered California opens November 1, 2026 and closes January 31, 2027. Pick a plan by December 31, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1.
What is the Medicaid income limit in California?
California expanded Medicaid, so adults 19 to 64 qualify up to 138% of the poverty line: $22,025 a year for one person in 2026, checked against monthly income.