Covered California opens 2026 enrollment amid uncertainty

Covered California officially opened its enrollment period for 2026 on Nov. 1, but this year, the process comes with added uncertainty. The enhanced federal premium tax credits, which have made insurance more affordable for millions, are set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress acts, leaving many residents unsure of their monthly costs.

For 13 years, Covered California has provided a pathway to quality health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Today, more than 24 million Americans are insured through marketplace plans, including nearly 2 million Californians heading into 2026. Open enrollment, which runs through Jan. 31, allows people to sign up, renew, or shop for new plans. This year, the state’s campaign, “Connectors to Coverage,” emphasizes the network of experts, enrollers, and community resources that help consumers navigate the complex choices of coverage.

“Since 2014, Covered California has helped more than 6 million Californians connect to quality health insurance at an affordable price,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “Despite uncertainty in Washington, our mission remains the same. We are here to help Californians get comprehensive health insurance, including free preventive care, to keep themselves and their families healthy in 2026.”

The enhanced premium tax credits, first introduced in 2021, were a game-changer. They reduced monthly premiums for lower- and middle-income households and expanded eligibility to include families who previously didn’t qualify. Without an extension, premiums are likely to rise sharply. Statewide, more than 1.7 million Californians who currently receive federal assistance could see their monthly costs increase, with middle-income enrollees at particular risk of losing financial help.

Altman emphasized the stakes: “Enhanced tax credits have not only made coverage more affordable but have also helped many people gain insurance who previously did not have it.”

In San Diego County, these federal decisions hit close to home. The region has 148,000 Covered California enrollees, with 125,000 receiving tax credits to lower the cost of coverage each month. Since 2021, enrollment in the region has grown by nearly 30%, reflecting the impact of enhanced tax credits.

“If Congress does not act, premiums for San Diego residents could increase on average by 76%, or about $125 per month,” Altman said.

“That’s a significant jump, and it would put coverage out of reach for many families.”

Most individual enrollees in San Diego earn between $25,000 and $50,000 per year. The state has stepped in with $190 million in tax credits for the lowest-income residents, helping keep monthly premiums consistent with 2025 levels. Nearly half of those receiving assistance could pay $10 or less per month for 2026 coverage, while about 17% may pay nothing if they keep their current plan.

For consumers, the open-enrollment period is both a time of opportunity and anxiety.

“Our job at Covered California is to help when decisions are easy and to help when decisions are hard,” Altman said. “We have over 14,000 enrollment partners across the state — insurance agents and community organizations who provide free, confidential guidance in multiple languages.”

Currently, the premiums listed on the Covered California “Shop and Save” tool reflect the potential expiration of enhanced tax credits.

“We’re encouraging consumers to make decisions based on the information available today,” Altman said. “If Congress acts to extend the credits, we will provide more time for people to adjust their plans and take advantage of the more generous assistance.”
California has also taken proactive steps to protect residents from the steepest increases.

This year Gov. Gavin Newsom and the legislature expanded funding for the state’s cost-sharing reduction program, providing $165 million to make coverage more affordable. These measures, combined with the federal credits, help ensure the lowest-income Californians can maintain access to care.

“Even in this unpredictable federal environment, we are doing everything possible to ensure Californians can get connected to high-quality health insurance at the lowest price possible,” Altman said.

Consumers can explore their options online at CoveredCA.com, by phone, or through local enrollment partners. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31, but to guarantee coverage starting Jan. 1, individuals must select a plan by Dec. 31.

For Californians navigating the uncertainties of federal policy, the message is clear: help is available, and now is the time to act.