Guide | Covered California 2027

Covered California 2027: enroll by December 31.

Open enrollment for 2027 Covered California plans runs from November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, and current members can review renewal options from October 1. Enroll by December 31 if you want coverage to start January 1. The enhanced federal tax credits ended in 2025, so check your 2027 price before a plan renews.

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Written and reviewed by Ronald L Kinnersley, Licensed Independent Insurance Agent, NPN 2561874. Last reviewed August 6, 2026.

The calendar

Mark four dates on your calendar.

Covered California has one enrollment window for 2027. The day you enroll sets the day your plan starts.

October 1, 2026: current members can review renewal options or pick a different 2027 plan
November 1, 2026: open enrollment opens for anyone applying for 2027 coverage
December 31, 2026: enroll by this date for a plan that starts January 1, 2027
January 31, 2027: the last day of open enrollment, for a plan with a later start date

Why December 31 is the safer deadline

A federal rule finalized in June 2025 requires every exchange to close open enrollment by December 31, starting with 2027 plans. Covered California still lists January 31 and notes that federal changes may shift with court decisions. Enroll in December and a late change cannot leave you without a plan.

What changed in 2026

Your 2027 renewal may cost more than this year.

The enhanced federal premium tax credits ended on December 31, 2025. Covered California projected that without them, monthly premiums would rise 97 percent on average for the more than 1.7 million Californians who receive financial help.

A state subsidy covers part of the gap for lower incomes

California funded its own premium subsidy for 2026. During 2026 open enrollment, 389,590 Californians enrolled in plans with that state help, averaging $45 a month. Check your own 2027 renewal to see what applies to you.

Some plans are still inexpensive

Covered California says some plans still cost as little as $10 a month, depending on the plan you pick and your household income.

Coming next

Three federal changes to plan around.

At tax time: starting with 2026 tax returns, anyone who received more financial help than they qualified for may have to pay back the full excess, with no income-based cap
January 1, 2027: only certain immigrant groups, such as lawful permanent residents, stay eligible for financial help
January 1, 2028: you must prove you qualify before financial help starts, and automatic re-enrollment with financial help ends for anyone who does not confirm their information

Covered California notes that these dates may change based on future court decisions. Report income changes during the year so the amount you may owe at tax time stays small.

Missed the window

A major life change reopens enrollment for 60 days.

Outside open enrollment you can still sign up after a major life change, such as losing other coverage or getting married. That special enrollment period usually lasts 60 days from the date of the event.

The 60 days start on the day of the event, so write that date down.

Where Ron fits

Compare what you pay after the credit.

The plans you can buy depend on your county, and what you pay depends on your household income and size. Ron Kinnersley works from the Covered California plan set for your county and checks your credit before you enroll, at no added cost to you.

Your options

Start with your ZIP code

Insurers sell Marketplace plans county by county, so your ZIP decides which ones you can actually buy. Household size and income decide the credit on top of that. Those four answers are enough for Ron to tell you what a plan costs you, not what it costs before the credit.

✓ Bronze through Platinum compared on real out of pocket cost
✓ Premium tax credit checked before you enroll
✓ No added cost for using an agent, the carrier pays him

Any figure named on this site is a sample estimate for illustration only, not a quote or an offer of insurance. Ron prices your actual policy after a short conversation.

Questions

Covered California 2027 questions

When is Covered California open enrollment for 2027?

November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027. Enroll by December 31, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.

What should I check before my plan renews for 2027?

Compare the 2027 monthly price on your renewal with what you pay now. If it went up, a different metal tier or plan in your county may cost less after the tax credit.

Can I enroll after January 31, 2027?

Only after a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage or getting married. The special enrollment period usually lasts 60 days from the event.

Will I have to pay back my tax credit?

Possibly. Starting with 2026 tax returns, if you received more financial help than your final income qualified you for, you may have to repay the full difference. Reporting income changes during the year keeps that gap small.

Sources

Compare ACA plans in Sacramento → · All guides →

See your 2027 price after the credit

Your ZIP, your household and your income, and Ron comes back with what a 2027 plan would cost you.