Obamacare California 2026: Covered California Plans & Costs Guide

Important — Medi-Cal: Nexus Insurance does not enroll consumers in Medi-Cal. For Medi-Cal applications, contact Covered California directly or work with a Certified Enrollment Counselor or a Medi-Cal eligibility worker at your county office. Covered California Marketplace plans (the focus of this page) and Medi-Cal are separate programs.

California has more people in public health coverage than any other state. About 1.8 million Californians were enrolled in Covered California plans in March 2026, plus about 13.1 million in Medi-Cal (the state’s Medicaid program). For Hispanic and immigrant families, California is one of the most accessible states in the country, although since January 2026 undocumented adults 19 and older can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal.

If you live in California — Los Angeles, San Diego, the Bay Area, the Central Valley, Inland Empire, or anywhere in between — this guide explains what programs are available, what they cost, and how to enroll.

How Obamacare works in California

California runs its own state Marketplace at Covered California. Operating since 2014, it is one of the largest and most successful state-based exchanges in the country.

The basic flow:

1. Enter your zip code, household size, and estimated 2026 income at CoveredCA.com or with a licensed agent.
2. The site checks Medi-Cal first. If you do not qualify, it shows Covered California plans with both federal and state subsidies applied.
3. Compare plans by premium, deductible, network, and the carriers in your region.
4. Pick one and enroll. Coverage starts the first of the next month.

California expanded Medi-Cal under the ACA and later opened full-scope Medi-Cal to adults regardless of immigration status. Since January 2026, undocumented adults 19 and older can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal, though children are not affected.

Talk to a licensed California agent: free, Spanish available.

California Premium Subsidy — extra state help

In addition to the federal Premium Tax Credit, California funds its own state-level subsidies called the California Premium Subsidy. This program:

• Caps the premium percentage that enrollees pay based on income
• Helps lower-income enrollees: up to about 150% FPL in 2026 and up to 200% FPL in 2027
• Automatically applies when you enroll through Covered California
• Has fluctuated in size depending on state budget decisions

The California Premium Subsidy stacks on top of the federal credit and can reduce monthly premiums further for eligible lower-income households. The calculator above shows the federal component; a licensed Covered California agent can layer in the current state subsidy for your specific income and household.

Hispanic enrollment in California

California has the largest Hispanic population of any state — both in raw numbers (about 15.7 million) and as a percentage (~40%). The Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and other Latin American communities are concentrated in:

• Los Angeles County (~49% Hispanic) — Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan
• San Bernardino & Riverside Counties / Inland Empire (~52% Hispanic combined) — Mexican
• Fresno, Kern, Tulare Counties / Central Valley (~50%+ Hispanic) — Mexican
• Imperial County (~85% Hispanic) — Mexican border region
• San Diego County (~35% Hispanic) — Mexican
• Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa / Bay Area — diverse Latino communities

Spanish-language enrollment assistance is widely available through Covered California Certified Enrollment Counselors (CECs), licensed agents, FQHCs, and community organizations like CHIRLA, MALDEF, and various promotores networks.

Top carriers in California (2026)

The major insurance companies on Covered California for 2026 include:

• Kaiser Permanente — dominant in many California regions, integrated care model
• Blue Shield of California — broad statewide network
• Anthem Blue Cross — broad statewide network
• Health Net — strong in Southern California
• L.A. Care Health Plan — Los Angeles County specific
• Sharp Health Plan — San Diego County
• Western Health Advantage — Sacramento region
• Molina Healthcare — Inland Empire and other regions
• Balance by CCHP: offered on Covered California for 2026 and 2027
• Valley Health Plan — Santa Clara County

Carrier mix varies by region. Every Californian has at least two carriers, and about 75% can choose from four or more.

How much does Obamacare cost in California?

Real numbers from Covered California and KFF:

• About 82% of Covered California enrollees received the federal Premium Tax Credit in 2026. Lower-income Californians often pay $0 or near-$0 after subsidies, helped by California’s state premium subsidy stacked on top of the federal credit.
• Important for 2026: the federal enhanced subsidies expired December 31, 2025, restoring the 400% FPL cliff for the federal credit. California’s state subsidy does not reach above that line: it covers incomes up to about 150% FPL in 2026 and up to 200% FPL in 2027.

Run the calculator for your number

The actual subsidy depends on your age, household size, household income, and ZIP-county. The calculator at the top of the page runs the 2026 IRS formula (Rev. Proc. 2025-25, post-IRA expiration) and produces an estimate in seconds. A licensed California agent verifies the exact number for your real plan and county — and layers in the Covered California state subsidy — in about 15 minutes, free, Spanish available where noted.

Get your real California number. Free quote from a licensed agent.

Medi-Cal — California’s Medicaid

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. California extended full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status, but froze new enrollment for undocumented adults 19 and older in January 2026:

• Adults up to 138% FPL qualify with no asset test
• Pregnant women: a higher income limit than other adults; confirm the current limit with Medi-Cal
• Children: full Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status, with higher income limits than adults
• Undocumented adults 19 and older: new full-scope enrollment frozen since January 2026
• People with disabilities have additional eligibility pathways

Medi-Cal is free or near-free for most enrollees and covers essentially the same comprehensive set of benefits as Marketplace plans.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in California

California has one of the largest FQHC networks in the country. Major networks include:

• AltaMed Health Services (Los Angeles, Orange County)
• Clinica Sierra Vista (Central Valley)
• Salud Para La Gente (Watsonville)
• La Clinica de La Raza (Bay Area)
• Family Health Centers of San Diego
• South Central Family Health Center (Los Angeles)
• Petaluma Health Center (North Bay)
• Borrego Health (Inland Empire / Imperial County)

Search the HRSA Find a Health Center tool for FQHCs near your zip code.

Immigrant eligibility in California

Coverage options for immigrants in California:

• Lawfully present immigrants can buy Covered California plans, but starting January 1, 2027 only green card holders, Cuban or Haitian entrants and COFA migrants qualify for federal subsidies.
• DACA recipients do NOT qualify for Covered California. Since August 25, 2025, federal rules exclude DACA recipients from Marketplace coverage. California state-funded programs such as full-scope Medi-Cal are a separate question, so check with Covered California directly.

Source: HealthCare.gov, immigration status: “Warning: As of August 25, 2025, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are no longer eligible for Marketplace coverage.” Verified against the source on August 20, 2026.

• Undocumented adults 19 and older cannot newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal since January 2026.
• All income-eligible children qualify for Medi-Cal regardless of status.
• Mixed-status families apply together — only eligible members are enrolled.

Covered California and Medi-Cal do not share immigration information with ICE. Federal and state law protect this.

If you do not have a Social Security Number but are lawfully present, you can still apply using your immigration document numbers. Read our guide on applying without an SSN.

When to enroll in California

Covered California extends Open Enrollment beyond the federal calendar:

• Open Enrollment 2027: November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027
• Medi-Cal: Year-round, no Open Enrollment window required
• Special Enrollment Periods available year-round for qualifying life events

Qualifying life events: loss of other coverage, marriage, birth or adoption, moving zip codes, US citizenship, significant income change.

How to apply for Obamacare in California

Four routes:

1. Covered California directly at coveredca.com — free, official, English/Spanish/Chinese/Vietnamese/Korean and more
2. A licensed agent or broker — free to you, paid by the insurer, what Nexus Insurance provides
3. A Certified Enrollment Counselor (CEC) — non-commercial, available in every county
4. In-person at a Covered California enrollment site

What you need:

• Names, dates of birth, and SSNs (or immigration document numbers) for everyone applying — note that Medi-Cal does not require legal status
• Estimated 2026 household income
• Information about any current insurance
• Employer information if anyone has a job offer of coverage

Ready to enroll? Get a free quote from a California licensed agent. Spanish available.

Common California-specific questions

“I am undocumented — can I really get Medi-Cal?” Only in some cases. Since January 2026, California has frozen new full-scope enrollment for undocumented adults 19 and older; children can still enroll. Application is at the county social services office or through Covered California.

“I am self-employed — can I get Covered California?” Yes. The Marketplace uses estimated annual income. Self-employed, freelancers, gig workers, and contractors all qualify. The California Premium Subsidy lowers premiums for enrollees with incomes up to about 150% FPL in 2026 and up to 200% FPL in 2027.

“My employer offers insurance but it is too expensive.” If your employer’s self-only plan would cost more than 9.96% of your household income in 2026 (10.22% for 2027 coverage), you may qualify for a Covered California subsidy instead.

“I have a pre-existing condition.” Cannot be used against you. Federal law since 2014.

Cross-references

• Obamacare: The Complete US Guide
• The Health Insurance Marketplace
• Who Qualifies for Obamacare
• Income Limits for Subsidies
• How to Apply for Obamacare
• Applying Without an SSN

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Insurance products vary by state and individual circumstances. Always speak with a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation. Nexus Insurance partners with US-licensed agents serving California residents in English and Spanish. Contact us for a free quote.