California Health Insurance 2026
Your complete guide to health insurance options in California — Medicaid eligibility, ACA Marketplace plans, enrollment deadlines, and key resources.
California at a Glance
What You Need to Know
- →California uses its own state-run Marketplace (Covered California) — do not use healthcare.gov
- →California has its own individual mandate — uninsured residents owe a state tax penalty
- →Coverage can be extended to young adults on a parent's plan through age 26
- →Enhanced federal subsidies in 2026 mean many low-income Californians pay $0/month
How to Enroll
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California have its own health insurance mandate?
Yes. California reinstated its own individual mandate in 2020. If you go without qualifying health coverage for more than 3 months, you may owe a penalty of 2.5% of household income or $900 per adult ($450 per child), whichever is greater, when you file your state taxes.
What is Covered California?
Covered California is California's state-run ACA health insurance marketplace. It is where Californians shop for individual and family health plans and apply for subsidies. You must use coveredca.com — not healthcare.gov — to enroll in California. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 31 in California (one month longer than the federal deadline).
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to low-income Californians. Under ACA expansion, adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $20,783/year for a single person in 2026) qualify regardless of immigration status for some services.