Affordable Health Insurance in California: Compare 2026 Plans
ACA Marketplace (Obamacare) plans in California compared on premium, plus the lowest-premium Bronze options and APTC subsidy estimates. Plans are displayed based on Covered California plan data, not broker recommendations or paid placements.
What is the best health insurance in California?
There is no single best ACA health insurance plan in California (CA); what a plan costs you depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and expected medical use, not just premium. 34 ACA plans are currently available. Policymage does not recommend plans. It compares plans on premium, deductible, and network type, plus official quality ratings where the marketplace publishes them, using marketplace plan data priced near Los Angeles.
Last updated: October 10, 2026 · Source: Official Marketplace Data · How we calculate this
Official quality ratings are not in the Covered California plan data we use, so plans here are compared on premium, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Policymage is an independent comparison site, not the official Marketplace and not a licensed insurance broker. We display data, not recommendations. You enroll on Covered California. Prices reflect a 30-year-old near Los Angeles, CA before subsidies, at 2026 rates.
$428/mo
Avg Bronze Premium
11
Insurers Statewide
34
Plans Listed
Covered California
Exchange Type
Health Insurance Carriers in California
Lowest Available Premium
$325.95/mo
Bronze plan · 30-year-old near Los Angeles · before subsidies
Avg Bronze Plan
$428/mo
9 plans in California
Avg Silver Plan
$494/mo
Eligible for CSR cost reductions
Plans by Category
Each card shows the plan that comes first on the stated measure for a sample 30-year-old. These are sorts, not recommendations. From the 20 lowest-premium plans near Los Angeles · 2026 premiums · 30-year-old, before subsidies · quality ratings are not in the Covered California plan data, so categories that need them are not shown
Lowest Premium + OOP Max
Lowest yearly worst case: 12 months of premium plus the out-of-pocket max
Kaiser Platinum 90 HMO
Kaiser
$519.33/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $5,000
Lowest Premium with Child Dental
Lowest premium with children's dental coverage included
Lowest-Premium HSA Plan
Lowest monthly premium among HSA-eligible plans
Lowest Premium
Lowest monthly premium for a 30-year-old
LA Care Bronze 60 HMO
LA Care
$325.95/mo
Ded: $5,800
OOP: $9,800
Plans in California by Premium
Sorted by monthly premium · Prices near Los Angeles · 2026 premiums · 30-year-old, no subsidies
LA Care Bronze 60 HMO
LA Care
$325.95/mo
Ded: $5,800
Kaiser Bronze 60 HDHP HMO
Kaiser
$339.23/mo
Ded: $7,200
Kaiser Bronze 60 HMO
Kaiser
$348.25/mo
Ded: $5,800
LA Care Silver 70 HMO
LA Care
$368.23/mo
Ded: $5,200
Molina Health Care Bronze 60 HMO
Molina Health Care
$373.83/mo
Ded: $5,800
Molina Health Care Silver 70 HMO
Molina Health Care
$407.83/mo
Ded: $5,200
Anthem Blue Cross Bronze 60 HMO
Anthem Blue Cross
$407.94/mo
Ded: $5,800
LA Care Gold 80 HMO
LA Care
$415.67/mo
Ded: $0
Kaiser Silver 70 HMO
Kaiser
$426.83/mo
Ded: $5,200
Kaiser Gold 80 HMO Coinsurance
Kaiser
$438.68/mo
Ded: $0
Official quality ratings are not in the Covered California plan data, so this list is not a ranking. Premiums are estimated for a 30-year-old near Los Angeles without subsidies. Catastrophic plans are only for people under 30 or with a hardship exemption. Your actual options and prices vary by ZIP code, age, and household income. See results for your details →
APTC Subsidy Income Thresholds (2026)
Based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. Your subsidy eligibility depends on your exact household size and income.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Medicaid min) | 138% FPL (Medicaid max) | 250% FPL (CSR eligible) | 400% FPL (APTC range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $22,025 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $29,863 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,702 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,540 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
Thresholds are for the 48 contiguous states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL amounts. The enhanced subsidies that removed the income cap expired after 2025, so households above 400% FPL no longer qualify for premium tax credits.
Lowest-Cost Plans Available in California
Bronze and Catastrophic plans near Los Angeles, CA · 30-year-old · 2026 premiums · Before subsidies · Catastrophic is for under-30s or a hardship exemption
LA Care Bronze 60 HMO
LA Care
$325.95/mo
Ded: $5,800
Kaiser Bronze 60 HDHP HMO
Kaiser
$339.23/mo
Ded: $7,200
Kaiser Bronze 60 HMO
Kaiser
$348.25/mo
Ded: $5,800
Molina Health Care Bronze 60 HMO
Molina Health Care
$373.83/mo
Ded: $5,800
Anthem Blue Cross Bronze 60 HMO
Anthem Blue Cross
$407.94/mo
Ded: $5,800
Health Net Bronze 60 HDHP Ambetter PPO
Health Net
$460.59/mo
Ded: N/A
Health Net Bronze 60 Ambetter PPO
Health Net
$470.27/mo
Ded: N/A
These are list prices before subsidies for a 30-year-old near Los Angeles. With APTC, your actual monthly cost can be much lower. See your subsidized price →
Bronze vs Silver: How Total Costs Compare
- Lowest monthly premium
- Highest deductibles & copays
- Lower premium; you pay more when you use care
- HSA-eligible plans often available
- Not eligible for CSR cost reductions
- Mid-range premium
- Benchmark for APTC subsidy calculation
- Eligible for CSR cost reductions (100–250% FPL)
- With CSR: deductibles can drop to $300–$700
- With CSR, total yearly cost can be lower than Bronze, depending on care used
How CSR changes the math: At 100%–250% FPL, cost-sharing reductions lower the deductible and copays on Silver plans only, so a Silver plan's listed deductible can overstate what you would pay. To compare tiers, add up the total annual cost of each: the premium × 12 plus the cost-sharing you expect to pay.
How much does health insurance cost in California per month? (2026)
Health insurance in California costs an average of $428 a month for Bronze, $494 a month for Silver and $568 a month for Gold before subsidies for a 30-year-old; the cheapest plan starts at $325.95/month. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan comes to $36 or less a month at $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty line) and $233 or less a month at $39,900 a year (250% of the poverty line) after the tax credit.
Price depends on where you live in California: the cheapest plan runs $325.95/month in Los Angeles County and $736.60/month in Monterey Bay Area (Central Coast California), a 126% difference across 29 California areas.
| Metal tier | Plans | Lowest | Average | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 9 | $326 | $428 | $565 |
| Silver | 8 | $368 | $494 | $698 |
| Gold | 9 | $416 | $568 | $843 |
| Platinum | 8 | $452 | $714 | $1,147 |
Figures are 2026 full monthly premiums for a single 30-year-old, before any Advance Premium Tax Credit. Estimate your subsidy to see what you would actually pay, or compare average costs across all states.
California health insurance cost by age and family size
The cheapest Bronze plan in Los Angeles costs $326/month at age 30 and $779/month at age 60, and $1,173/month for a family of four, before subsidies. With the premium tax credit, a 60-year-old earning $63,840 (400% of the poverty level) pays no more than $530/month for the benchmark Silver plan.
| Who is covered | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| One adult, age 21 | $287 | $324 | $366 |
| One adult, age 30 | $326 | $368 | $416 |
| One adult, age 40 | $367 | $415 | $468 |
| One adult, age 50 | $513 | $579 | $654 |
| One adult, age 60 | $779 | $881 | $994 |
| One adult, age 64 | $862 | $973 | $1,099 |
| Couple, both 40 | $734 | $829 | $936 |
| Family of 4 (two adults 40, two children under 15) | $1,173 | $1,326 | $1,496 |
What you pay after the premium tax credit (2026)
| Household | Yearly income | Benchmark Silver costs you at most | Cheapest Bronze after the credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| One adult, age 30150% of the poverty level | $23,940 | $84 | $41 or less |
| One adult, age 30250% of the poverty level | $39,900 | $281 | $238 or less |
| One adult, age 30400% of the poverty level | $63,840 | $530 | $326 or less |
| One adult, age 60150% of the poverty level | $23,940 | $84 | $0 |
| One adult, age 60250% of the poverty level | $39,900 | $281 | $180 or less |
| One adult, age 60400% of the poverty level | $63,840 | $530 | $429 or less |
| Couple, both 40150% of the poverty level | $32,460 | $113 | $18 or less |
| Couple, both 40250% of the poverty level | $54,100 | $381 | $285 or less |
| Couple, both 40400% of the poverty level | $86,560 | $718 | $623 or less |
- Premiums are the cheapest 2026 plans in Los Angeles, scaled from a 30-year-old's premium by the age rating curve CMS sets for California. Prices elsewhere in California differ; the county pages below show each area.
- The credit uses the 2026 IRS percentages and the 2026 poverty guidelines. Above 400% of the poverty level there is no credit. "Or less" is because the credit is based on the second-cheapest Silver plan, which can only make it larger than shown.
- Federal credit only: some states add their own help on top, and children in lower-income families usually qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. Calculate your own credit.
How Metal Tiers and Plans Differ in California
1Check subsidy eligibility first
If your household income is between 100%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you likely qualify for APTC to reduce your premium. Some California residents qualify for $0/month Bronze plans. Enter your income in the compare tool to see your options.
2Healthcare usage and metal tiers
Bronze plans have lower premiums and higher cost-sharing when you use care. Silver and Gold plans have higher premiums and lower cost-sharing, so which tier costs less in total depends on how much care you use.
3Check if your doctors are in-network
HMO plans require you to use in-network providers and get referrals for specialists. PPO plans offer more flexibility. Verify your preferred doctors and hospitals accept your plan before enrolling.
4Estimate your total annual cost
Look beyond the monthly premium. Add up the premium × 12, plus your expected deductible and copay costs. A lower-premium Bronze plan can cost more total if you need regular care.
More California Health Insurance Guides
HSA-Eligible Plans in California
High-deductible health plans in California that qualify you to open a pre-tax Health Savings Account. Includes the 2026 IRS contribution limits.
View guide Cost GuideAverage Cost of Health Insurance by State
See how California's premiums compare to the national average, by metal tier.
View guideHealth insurance in California's largest cities and metro areas
Health Insurance by County in California
Plan availability, premiums and participating insurers vary by county within California. Pick your county to see what is actually sold there.
- Alameda
- Central Valley (Merced & Tulare Counties)
- Contra Costa
- Eastern Sierra (Mammoth Lakes & Death Valley)
- El Dorado
- Fresno
- Imperial
- Inland Empire (Riverside & San Bernardino Counties)
- Kern
- Kings
- Los Angeles
- Madera
- Modesto & Yosemite Gateway Area
- Monterey Bay Area (Central Coast California)
- Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
- North Bay (Marin & Solano Counties)
- Orange
- Rural Northern California (Redding & Eureka Area)
- Sacramento Metro Area
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Joaquin
- San Luis Obispo
- San Mateo
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Clara
- Santa Cruz
- Ventura
- Yuba-Sutter Area (Sacramento Valley)
Affordable, budget, and low-cost ACA plans in California
Whether you're searching for cheap, affordable, budget-friendly, low-cost, inexpensive, economical, or discount health insurance in California, every ACA Marketplace plan available through Covered California must cover the same 10 Essential Health Benefits set by federal law: preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, mental health, and more. No Marketplace plan can deny you for a pre-existing condition or charge you more for being sick.
The only real differences between a "cheap" plan and an expensive one are the monthly premium, the metal tier, the provider network, and how much you pay out of pocket when you actually use care.
Below we break down every way to find lower-cost coverage in California so you can match a plan to both your budget and your expected medical needs. For the strategies that apply in every state (subsidy eligibility, metal-tier choice, HSA savings, and Medicaid). See our national guide to affordable health insurance.
You might know California as CA or Calif.. The plans and pricing below are the same no matter which name you use.
Budget Marketplace coverage in California
Bronze-tier plans have the lowest monthly premium of any metal level in California, making them the budget choice for healthy adults who rarely visit the doctor. Expect a high deductible (often $7,500+) in exchange for the low monthly cost. If you qualify for the Premium Tax Credit (APTC), your effective premium can drop significantly. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan comes to $36 or less a month at $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty line) and $233 or less a month at $39,900 a year (250% of the poverty line) after the tax credit.
Low-cost Silver plans & Cost-Sharing Reductions
Silver-tier plans are the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR), which lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum if your household income is between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. For California residents in that income range, an enhanced Silver plan carries lower cost-sharing than a standard Silver plan at the same premium. Whether that outweighs a lower Bronze premium depends on how much care you use; compare total annual cost for both.
Discount HSA-eligible HDHP options
HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) in California let you contribute pre-tax dollars to a Health Savings Account. For 2026 IRS limits, individuals can contribute up to $4,400 and families up to $8,750. Unused funds roll over year to year, and after age 65, you can withdraw for any expense without penalty. An HDHP pairs a low, economical premium with a tax-advantaged savings vehicle.
Cheap catastrophic plans (under 30 only)
California residents under 30 (or those with a hardship/affordability exemption) may qualify for catastrophic coverage. Premiums are the lowest of any tier, but the deductible equals the federal out-of-pocket maximum (~$9,200 in 2025) so it's true emergency-only coverage. Catastrophic plans don't qualify for APTC subsidies.
Inexpensive HMO vs. PPO networks in California (CA)
Network type is one of the biggest levers on price in California. HMO and EPO plans restrict you to an in-network provider list but carry noticeably lower premiums. PPO plans cost more but let you see out-of-network providers, usually at higher cost-sharing. Each plan has its own provider directory, so check whether your doctors are in-network before comparing prices.
Comparing total annual cost in California
The monthly premium is only part of what a plan costs. Total annual cost is the premium × 12, plus the deductible and copays you expect to pay for the care you use. Plans with higher premiums usually have lower deductibles and copays, and the reverse, so the totals shift with how often you see doctors or fill prescriptions. Enter your ZIP, age, and income in our compare tool to sort plans by estimated total cost after subsidies, not just headline premium.
Health insurance companies in California
These are the major health insurers that have offered ACA Marketplace plans to California residents in recent plan years. Carrier participation and the counties each insurer serves change every year, so always confirm current availability for your ZIP code on Covered California before enrolling. Every plan from every carrier below covers the same federally-required Essential Health Benefits; they differ on premium, provider network, and which doctors and hospitals are in-network.
When comparing insurers in California, look up each plan's provider directory on Covered California and confirm whether your doctors, preferred hospitals, and prescription drugs are covered in-network. Out-of-network care can cost far more than a small premium difference.
California health insurance marketplace: how to enroll for 2027
California residents shop for ACA-compliant Marketplace plans through Covered California. Open Enrollment for plan year 2027 runs from November 1 through January 31 on Covered California. Outside that window, you need a Qualifying Life Event (job loss, marriage, birth, move) to enroll mid-year via a Special Enrollment Period.
Need help choosing? Covered California offers free, certified enrollment assistance; start at www.coveredca.com.
Extra help from California
- California Premium Subsidy. Covered California adds a state subsidy on top of the federal credit for households that qualify by income and also qualify for the federal premium tax credit. Official details
These come on top of the federal premium tax credit. Checked on each program's official site on October 2, 2026.
- 1
Gather your household details
Estimate your 2027 household income (gross, before taxes), everyone you'll claim as a tax dependent, current health insurance status, and your California ZIP code.
- 2
Compare plans across metal tiers
Use a free comparison tool to see Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans side by side. Pay attention to monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your doctors are in-network.
- 3
Check subsidy eligibility (APTC + CSR)
Enter your projected household income and Covered California will calculate your Advance Premium Tax Credit and tell you if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions on Silver plans.
- 4
Enroll directly through Covered California
Submit your application at www.coveredca.com/. Coverage starts January 1 if you enroll by December 31; later enrollments start the following month.
- 5
Pay your first premium to activate
Coverage is not active until your insurer receives your first premium payment. You'll receive payment instructions directly from the carrier within a few business days of enrollment.
Medicaid eligibility in California
California has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. If your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $22,025/year for an individual, $45,540/year for a family of 4), you likely qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid instead of a Marketplace plan.
California Medicaid is administered through managed care organizations (MCOs) including Blue Shield of California, Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Health Net. Which plan is best depends on your county, doctors, and prescriptions, not a single statewide winner.
Medicaid in California covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, preventive screenings, mental health care, and more. There's no Open Enrollment window; you can apply year-round. Apply directly through your state Medicaid office or California's marketplace, which will check your eligibility automatically.
APTC subsidy examples for California households
The Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) caps what California residents pay for the benchmark Silver plan as a percentage of household income. For 2027 the cap runs from 2.15% of income below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 10.22% between 300% and 400% FPL (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26). Above 400% FPL there is no credit: the enhanced rules that removed that limit expired after 2025.
| Household size | Annual income | % of FPL | Capped premium share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 | 150% | 4.30% of income |
| 1 person | $39,900 | 250% | 8.66% of income |
| 2 persons | $43,280 | 200% | 6.78% of income |
| 4 persons | $82,500 | 250% | 8.66% of income |
| 4 persons | $132,000 | 400% | 10.22% of income |
Federal Poverty Level figures use the 2026 HHS guidelines for the 48 contiguous states & DC. Alaska and Hawaii use higher FPL thresholds. Actual subsidy depends on your county's benchmark Silver premium, household composition, and tax filing status. Always verify with official Marketplace before enrolling. Full chart for households of 1 to 8: ACA income limits.
Top counties in California for ACA plans
Plan availability, premiums, and participating insurers vary by county within California. These are the five most populous counties. Open one to see the plans, premiums and insurers available there.
More California health insurance guides
Frequently asked questions about ACA insurance in California
What is the health insurance marketplace in California?
The California (CA) health insurance marketplace is Covered California (https://www.coveredca.com/), a state-based ACA exchange where residents compare and enroll in qualified health plans. Policymage lists 34 plans with live premium data. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 31.
How do I compare health insurance plans in California?
Use policymage.com/get-quotes: enter your ZIP code, household ages, and income. Policymage fetches ACA Marketplace plans for your county, calculates APTC subsidies, and lets you compare up to 4 plans side-by-side on premium, deductible, network, and benefits. Free, no account, no broker bias. Plans in California start from $325.95/month before subsidies.
Which Medicaid plan is best in California?
There is no single "best" Medicaid plan in California. Medicaid is administered through MCOs such as Blue Shield of California, Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente. The right plan depends on your county, doctors, and prescriptions. Medicaid (income up to 138% FPL, ~$22,025/year for an individual) is separate from ACA Marketplace plans at Covered California. Apply year-round through your state Medicaid office.
Is short-term health insurance available in California?
Short-term health insurance is sold outside the ACA Marketplace in California by private insurers. These plans are not ACA-compliant: they can exclude pre-existing conditions, skip Essential Health Benefits, and lack guaranteed renewal. For comprehensive coverage with subsidies, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan at Covered California during Open Enrollment (November 1 to January 31). See policymage.com/faq for more on short-term vs ACA plans.
How much is health insurance in CA?
Health insurance in CA starts as low as $325.95/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. Most California residents who qualify for APTC pay significantly less. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan comes to $36 or less a month at $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty line) and $233 or less a month at $39,900 a year (250% of the poverty line) after the tax credit.
What is the cheapest health insurance option in CA for 2027?
The cheapest ACA option in CA for 2027 is typically a Bronze-tier plan or, for residents under 30, a catastrophic plan. Both carry the lowest monthly premium in exchange for a higher deductible. Compare exact California plans and prices at policymage.com/get-quotes.
How do I get health insurance in California?
To get health insurance in California, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan through Covered California during Open Enrollment, which runs November 1 through January 31. Plans start at $325.95/month before subsidies. You need your ZIP code, household size, and estimated annual income to apply. Outside Open Enrollment you need a Qualifying Life Event (job loss, marriage, birth, or a move) to enrol through a Special Enrollment Period.
What is the best health insurance in California?
There is no single best health insurance plan in California; total annual cost depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and how much care you use. Policymage does not recommend plans. It lets you compare 34 California plans on premium, deductible, network, and quality rating. Total annual cost is the premium × 12 plus your expected deductible and copays. Cost-Sharing Reductions lower deductibles and copays for incomes between 100% and 250% FPL, and apply only to Silver plans.
How much is health insurance in California per month?
Health insurance in California starts at $325.95 per month for a Bronze plan for a 30-year-old, before subsidies. Most residents who qualify for APTC tax credits pay considerably less. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan comes to $36 or less a month at $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty line) and $233 or less a month at $39,900 a year (250% of the poverty line) after the tax credit. Your exact monthly cost depends on age, county, household size, and tobacco use.
Is ACA health insurance available in California?
Yes. ACA Marketplace plans are sold in every county of California through its own exchange, Covered California. Near the state's largest city there are 34 plans to compare, starting at $325.95 a month before subsidies. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 31; outside it you need a Qualifying Life Event.
How do I get free health insurance in California?
Free or near-free coverage in California comes from two routes. Medicaid covers adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $22,025/year for an individual), and you can apply year-round. Above that, APTC subsidies bring many Bronze Marketplace plans to $0/month for California residents on lower incomes.
When does Open Enrollment end in California for ACA plans?
Open Enrollment for California residents runs from November 1 through January 31. California runs its own exchange (Covered California), which set the January 31 deadline. Outside Open Enrollment, you need a Qualifying Life Event to enroll in a Special Enrollment Period.
How much does health insurance cost in California?
Health insurance in California starts as low as $325.95/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan comes to $36 or less a month at $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty line) and $233 or less a month at $39,900 a year (250% of the poverty line) after the tax credit. Costs vary by age, county, tobacco use, and household size.
Does California use HealthCare.gov or its own state exchange?
California runs its own state-based Marketplace called Covered California (https://www.coveredca.com/). You enroll there directly, not at HealthCare.gov. Plan offerings, enrollment dates, and customer support are managed by California, not the federal government.
Has California expanded Medicaid under the ACA?
Yes. California has expanded Medicaid, so adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $22,025/year for an individual) qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid. There's no Open Enrollment window; you can apply year-round.
What are the income limits for ACA subsidies in California?
Premium tax credits cover household income from 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level: about $15,960 to $63,840 a year for an individual, or $33,000 to $132,000 for a family of 4. Below 138% FPL most adults qualify for Medicaid instead. Above 400% FPL there is no credit in 2027: the enhanced rules that removed that limit expired after 2025. Use the Covered California subsidy calculator for your exact estimate.
Does California have its own health insurance subsidy?
Yes. California Premium Subsidy: Covered California adds a state subsidy on top of the federal credit for households that qualify by income and also qualify for the federal premium tax credit. This is in addition to the federal premium tax credit.
What are the metal tiers in California (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)?
California ACA plans come in four metal tiers based on actuarial value (the percentage of medical costs the plan covers on average): Bronze (~60%), Silver (~70%), Gold (~80%), and Platinum (~90%). Bronze has the lowest premium and highest deductible; Platinum has the highest premium and lowest deductible. Silver is the "benchmark" tier used to calculate APTC subsidies, and it's the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions if you qualify by income.
Are HSA-eligible plans available in California?
Yes. HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are available in California through Covered California. For 2026, HDHPs must have a deductible of at least $1,700 (individual) or $3,400 (family), and you can contribute up to $4,400 (individual) or $8,750 (family) to your HSA pre-tax. HSA contributions roll over year-to-year and can be invested.
Do California ACA plans cover dental and vision?
California ACA Marketplace plans for adults include preventive care, mental health, prescriptions, hospitalization, and the 10 Essential Health Benefits, but adult dental and vision are not federally required. Most California plans cover pediatric dental and vision automatically. For adult dental/vision, you typically buy a separate standalone plan through Covered California or directly from an insurer.
What is a Qualifying Life Event for Special Enrollment in California?
Outside Open Enrollment, California residents can enroll in or change ACA plans within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event: loss of other health coverage, marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, moving to a new county or state, a change in income that affects subsidy eligibility, becoming a US citizen, or release from incarceration. Have documentation ready when applying through Covered California.
How do I find in-network doctors and hospitals in California?
Each California ACA plan has its own provider network. Before enrolling, look up the plan on Covered California, click the carrier name to access their provider directory, and search for your specific doctors and preferred hospitals by name. Out-of-network care typically isn't covered (HMO plans) or costs significantly more (PPO plans). Out-of-network costs can exceed the premium difference between plans.
Get California health insurance quotes
Enter your ZIP code, age, and income for quotes on Marketplace plans sold where you live in California, with your premium tax credit applied.
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Plans shown based on input. Not insurance advice. Policymage is not a licensed broker or agent.