Find Affordable Coverage in California
Licensed agents compare all California Marketplace plans at no cost to you. See your subsidy in 2 minutes.
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California ACA Marketplace Overview
In 2026, approximately 1,800,000 California residents are enrolled in ACA Marketplace coverage. California uses its own state-run exchange for health insurance enrollment.
California has expanded Medicaid under the ACA, meaning adults earning up to 138% FPL qualify for free or near-free coverage through Medicaid.
How Much Does ACA Coverage Cost in California?
The benchmark Silver plan (second-lowest-cost Silver plan) in California costs approximately $388/month before subsidies in 2026. However, most California residents who qualify for premium tax credits pay significantly less.
- $0/month premium: Possible for California households earning up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Low premiums: Households earning up to 400% FPL qualify for substantial subsidies
- Above 400% FPL: Still eligible if the benchmark plan exceeds 8.5% of household income
Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to estimate your specific monthly costs based on your California household income.
Top ACA Health Insurance Companies in California
The following carriers offer ACA Marketplace plans in California for 2026:
- Blue Shield
- Kaiser Permanente
- Oscar Health
- Molina
Plan availability varies by county in California. Use Covered California to see exact plans available in your ZIP code.
ACA Plan Tiers Available in California
- Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest deductibles. Best for healthy California residents who rarely need care.
- Silver: Mid-range. Strongly recommended for California households earning 100–250% FPL — Silver plans unlock Cost-Sharing Reductions that significantly lower deductibles and copays.
- Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket. Best for California residents who use healthcare frequently.
- Platinum: Highest premium, lowest cost per service. Available in most California counties.
When to Enroll in California
- Open Enrollment: November 1 – January 15 on Covered California
- January 1 coverage: Enroll by December 15
- February 1 coverage: Enroll by January 15
- Special Enrollment: Available year-round if you lose job-based coverage, move, get married, or have a baby
California Insurance Resources
- Covered California — Official California enrollment portal
- California Department of Insurance — Plan complaints and consumer protection
- Complete ACA Guide — Full explanation of ACA Marketplace rules
- Subsidy Calculator — Estimate your 2026 premium tax credit