California ACA health insurance plans for 2026.
California runs its own state-based Marketplace, Covered California — separate from HealthCare.gov. SilverEdge can quote and enroll you on Covered California directly. We compare every on-exchange carrier in your county — Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Health Net (Centene), Molina Healthcare, Oscar, LA Care Covered, Sharp Health Plan, and Valley Health Plan — and check your doctor's network before you enroll.
California's ACA Marketplace
California runs its own state-based Marketplace, Covered California — separate from HealthCare.gov. SilverEdge can quote and enroll you on Covered California directly.
California adds extra state subsidies on top of federal premium tax credits — many middle-income Californians qualify for richer subsidies than they would in other states. Nearly 95% of Covered California enrollees receive financial help.
2026 California Marketplace carriers
Availability varies by county and metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold).
2026 California on-exchange carriers include: Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Health Net (Centene), Molina Healthcare, Oscar, LA Care Covered, Sharp Health Plan, and Valley Health Plan.
Networks vary widely. Some plans use narrow networks built around a single health system; others use broader statewide PPOs. We verify your doctor and preferred hospital before recommending any plan.
Medicaid expansion in California
California expanded Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid) under the ACA. Adults under 138% of the Federal Poverty Level generally qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage — there is no California coverage gap.
California ACA enrollment dates
- Open Enrollment: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 for 2026 coverage.
- Plan effective dates: Plans selected by December 15 start January 1; plans selected December 16 – January 15 start February 1.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): Triggered by qualifying life events — losing coverage, marriage, birth, moving, income change. Runs 60 days from the event date.
California counties we cover
All 58 California counties.
Ready to enroll in California ACA coverage?
Free, no pressure. Licensed in California and all 50 states. We'll check your subsidy, compare every Marketplace plan in your county, and verify your doctor's network — all before you enroll.