Covered California
Covered California Open Enrollment 2027: Dates and Renewal Checklist
Covered California open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2027. Current members can begin renewing or changing plans on Oct. 1. Even if you are satisfied with your current coverage, review the 2027 premium, financial help, provider network and prescriptions before allowing the plan to renew.
This guide separates the dates from the decisions. It explains what new applicants and renewing members should check, based on Covered California’s currently published 2027 information.
Key 2027 Covered California dates
- Oct. 1, 2026: Current Covered California members can begin reviewing renewal options or selecting a different 2027 plan.
- Nov. 1, 2026: Open enrollment begins for anyone applying for 2027 individual or family coverage.
- Dec. 31, 2026: Enroll by this date for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027, under Covered California’s current guidance.
- Jan. 31, 2027: Covered California’s announced final day of 2027 open enrollment.
Coverage generally starts on the first day of the month after plan selection. Effective dates can vary in certain circumstances, so confirm the date shown on your application and pay the first premium to activate coverage.
Why existing members should actively review their renewal
Automatic renewal is convenient, but it does not confirm that the same plan remains the best choice. Covered California announced an average proposed 2027 rate change across carriers, while emphasizing that actual premiums vary by plan and region. The amount you pay can also change when household income, family size or available financial help changes.
In Orange County, the 2027 carrier lineup is also changing: CalOptima Health is entering Covered California’s Region 18, while Molina Healthcare will no longer offer marketplace plans in Regions 15 and 18. Members affected by a carrier exit should compare their replacement option rather than assume the assigned plan has the same doctors, hospitals or prescriptions.
What to update before comparing plans
- Expected 2027 household income and the people included in your tax household.
- Home address, mailing address and contact information.
- Immigration or lawful-presence documents when requested.
- Access to job-based coverage for each household member.
- Doctors, hospitals and prescriptions you want a new plan to cover.
Income estimates matter because financial help is reconciled with your federal tax return. For 2027, Covered California announced expanded state premium support for eligible households up to 200% of the federal poverty level—$31,920 for one person and $66,000 for a family of four in its published examples. Eligibility and the final amount depend on the complete application.
Compare more than the monthly premium
Start with the premium after financial help, then compare the deductible, copays, coinsurance and annual out-of-pocket maximum. Check the provider directory and drug formulary directly for each plan. A lower premium may not produce a lower total yearly cost if a doctor is out of network or an important prescription has different coverage rules.
Metal tier names describe how costs are generally shared; they do not measure the quality of care. Eligible households may receive additional cost-sharing reductions only through an Enhanced Silver plan, so compare 2027 Silver 70, 73, 87 and 94 benefits before choosing Bronze based on premium alone.
New applicant checklist
- Gather Social Security numbers or applicable immigration documents for household members.
- Estimate 2027 household income using recent pay information and expected changes.
- Enter the correct ZIP code and household details to see plans actually available to you.
- Compare total costs, providers and prescriptions—not only the advertised premium.
- Review the eligibility result, select a plan and pay the first premium to the insurance company.
Common questions
Do I need to reapply if I already have Covered California?
You may be eligible for renewal, but you should still update your application and review the 2027 options. A change in income, household members, financial help, carrier participation or provider networks can change the result.
Can I enroll after Jan. 31?
Outside open enrollment, you generally need a qualifying life event for a special-enrollment period. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round for people who qualify.
Does the announced average rate change mean my premium will rise by the same percentage?
No. The announced figure is a weighted statewide average of proposed carrier rate changes. Your premium depends on your age, location, selected plan, household and financial-help eligibility. Compare the price shown for your own application.
Get help reviewing your 2027 options
Skyline Benefit can help California individuals and families organize application information and compare available plans, provider networks, prescriptions and costs. Call (714) 888-5112 or request a consultation. Final eligibility, financial help, premiums and benefits are determined by Covered California and the applicable plan documents.