Enrolling in 2027 ACA Health Insurance

When Is ACA health insurance Open Enrollment for 2027?

California's Open Enrollment Period for 2027 health coverage begins November 1, 2026, and lasts through January 31, 2027.

What should I know about Covered California plan types and costs?

California's Open Enrollment Period for 2027 health coverage begins November 1, 2026, and lasts through January 31, 2027.

Plans offered through Covered California are categorized into four metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. While all metal levels cover the same essential health benefits, they differ in how you and your health plan share the cost of care. Understanding these differences can help you choose the plan that's right for you and your family.

Bronze plans: Lowest monthly premium and highest deductible. Bronze plans are a good choice if you expect to use healthcare occasionally and want protection from unexpected medical expenses.

Silver plans: Moderate monthly premium and deductible. Silver plans are a good fit for many individuals and families with typical healthcare needs. Silver plans are also the only plans that offer cost-sharing reductions for those who qualify, helping to lower out-of-pocket costs for care.

Gold plans: Higher monthly premium but lower deductible and out-of-pocket costs. Gold plans may be a good option if you expect to use healthcare regularly and want to pay less when you receive care.

Platinum plans: Highest monthly premium and lowest deductible. Platinum plans are designed for people who expect frequent medical care and prefer more predictable out-of-pocket costs.

How can I save money on Covered California health plans?

You may be able to lower the cost of health coverage through Covered California by choosing a plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget and, if you qualify, taking advantage of available financial help.

Plans sold through Covered California are available in different metal levels, each offering a different balance of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs so you can choose the option that's right for you.

If you qualify, you may be eligible for financial help through Covered California to help make coverage more affordable. Eligibility is based on factors such as your household income and size, and the cost of available plans where you live.

There are two main types of financial help:

• Advanced premium tax credits (APTCs): Help lower your monthly premium by applying the tax credit directly to the cost of your health plan
• Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs): Help lower your deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum if you qualify and enroll in a Silver-level Marketplace plan

If you're eligible for both APTCs and CSRs, you could significantly reduce both your monthly premium and the amount you pay when you receive healthcare.

Why get health insurance through Covered California?

Enrolling in health coverage through Covered California offers several benefits, including:

• Coverage options for different budgets: Plans through Covered California are available at a variety of price points, making it easier to find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
• Financial Help: Depending on your household income and size, you may qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs.
• Coverage for Essential Health Benefits: All plans offered through Covered California cover the same essential health benefits, including preventive care, doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescription drugs, maternity care, and mental health services.
• Easy plan comparisons: Covered California lets you compare plans side by side based on monthly premium, benefits, doctors in the plan’s network, and estimated out-of-pocket costs, helping you choose the coverage that’s right for you and your family.

Marketplace coverage vs. coverage purchased outside the Marketplace

You can purchase Individual and Family health insurance through Covered California or directly from a health insurer, but there are important differences to consider.

One difference is access to financial help when enrolling through Covered California. Plans purchased outside Covered California are not eligible for financial help, even if they offer ACA-compliant coverage.

What happens if I miss open enrollment?

If you miss California’s Open Enrollment period, you won’t be able to enroll in a health plan through Covered California until the next Open Enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

A Special Enrollment Period allows you to enroll in or change your health coverage outside of Open Enrollment if you experience certain qualifying life events. If you meet eligibility requirements, you may also qualify for financial help to lower the cost of your Marketplace coverage.

Some of the most common qualifying life events include:

• Getting married
• Having or adopting a child
• Losing your existing health coverage, such as through job loss
• Losing eligibility for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Getting divorced or legally separated if it affects your health coverage
• The death of a spouse or other household member that results in the loss of health coverage

In most cases, you have 60 days before or after your qualifying life event to enroll in a health plan through Covered California. Enrolling within that time can help you avoid a gap in health coverage.

How do I prepare to enroll in an ACA health plan?

Whether you’re enrolling during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period, taking a few steps ahead of time can make choosing and enrolling in a health plan easier.

Familiarize yourself with key insurance terms

Understanding common health insurance terminology can make navigating enrollment much easier. Here are a few important terms to know:

• Premium: The monthly amount you pay for your health insurance plan.
• Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket each year before your plan begins to cover care costs.
• Copay: A fixed amount you pay for certain covered healthcare services, such as a doctor’s office visit. Copays typically do not count toward your deductible.
• Coinsurance: The percentage of care costs you’re responsible for after meeting your plan deductible.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum amount you’ll pay for covered, in-network services in a year. After reaching this limit, your plan covers 100% of eligible costs

Check your eligibility for financial help

Depending on your household income, household size, and where you live, you may qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium and, if you're eligible and enroll in a Silver-level plan through Covered California, reduce your out-of-pocket health care costs.

Evaluate your current plan

If you're already enrolled in a plan through Covered California, review your current coverage to decide whether to renew or select a different plan that better meets your needs. If you're new to Covered California, compare available plans to find the coverage that's right for you and your family.

When comparing plans, think about the care you expect to need in the coming year, including doctor visits, ongoing treatments, prescriptions, and preferred providers. Then consider the total cost of coverage — including monthly premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance, prescription costs, and annual out-of-pocket maximum — to choose a plan that fits your budget.

Review and prepare your information early

Gather the information you'll need to complete your application, including income documentation (W-2s, 1099s, prior-year tax returns), Social Security numbers, and information about everyone who will be covered. If you've had changes to your household, income, or address, update your Covered California account before you enroll.

Know your state’s enrollment deadline

If you miss California’s Open Enrollment deadline, you won’t be able to sign up for a health plan through Covered California until the next Open Enrollment period. However, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage.

Explore additional coverage options

In addition to health insurance, consider whether dental or vision coverage would benefit you or your family. Depending on the plans available in your area, you may be able to add dental or vision coverage to your health plan or purchase a separate dental or vision policy.

Anthem dental plans are available year-round and can be purchased separately from your medical coverage. If you want dental coverage as part of a health plan through Covered California, you'll need to enroll during your state's Open Enrollment Period or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period following a qualifying life event.