Skyline Benefit

2026 subsidies and savings

Covered California Financial Help

See how premium tax credits, Enhanced Silver plans, and California's 2026 state subsidy may change what you pay for health coverage.

Individual Health Carriers
Anthem Blue Cross Balance by CCHP Blue Shield of California Health Net Inland Empire Health Plan Kaiser Permanente L.A. Care Health Plan Molina Healthcare Sharp Health Plan Valley Health Plan Western Health Advantage

How financial help works

Two ways Covered California can lower costs.

Covered California financial help can reduce monthly premiums and, for eligible households, lower the cost of care. Eligibility is based on the coverage year, tax household, estimated annual income, ZIP code, ages, and access to other qualifying coverage.

Lowers your monthly premium

Premium Tax Credit

A federal Premium Tax Credit can reduce the monthly bill for a Covered California plan. You may apply some or all of it in advance, called APTC, or claim an eligible amount when filing federal taxes.

Lowers costs when you use care

Enhanced Silver savings

For eligible households, cost-sharing reductions can lower deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum. These savings are available through Silver 73, Silver 87, or Silver 94.

Marketplace financial help is available only through qualifying health plans purchased through Covered California.

Your estimate

What shapes your financial help?

Covered California uses the information in your application and the benchmark plan available where you live. The result is specific to your household.

01

Projected annual income

Estimate household income for the coverage year, not only what has already been earned.

02

Tax household

Tax filing status, household members, and who needs coverage affect the application.

03

Ages and home ZIP code

Ages and location affect premiums and the benchmark plan used for the calculation.

04

Other health coverage

Access to qualifying job-based coverage, Medicare, or Medi-Cal can affect eligibility.

2026 financial help update

Rules changed this year. Recheck your estimate.

Skyline can help organize the household and income details Covered California uses, then compare the plans available in your ZIP code.

Review Covered California's 2026 changes
Federal premium assistance

The enhanced federal Premium Tax Credits ended December 31, 2025. Standard federal tax credits remain available for eligible households.

California premium assistance

For 2026, eligible consumers at or below 165% of the federal poverty level may receive additional California premium assistance.

Income and household updates

Report changes promptly. Financial help is reconciled using actual tax-year information, and excess assistance may need to be repaid.

From our clients

Trusted health coverage guidance from a local team.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Covered California Financial Help

What financial help is available through Covered California?

Eligible consumers may receive a Premium Tax Credit that lowers the monthly premium. Some households may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions through an Enhanced Silver plan, and eligible consumers may receive California premium assistance in 2026.

How is a Covered California subsidy calculated?

The estimate considers projected annual household income, tax household size, ages, home ZIP code, the local benchmark plan, and access to other qualifying coverage.

What is an Enhanced Silver plan?

Silver 73, 87, and 94 are Enhanced Silver plans that can lower deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum for eligible households.

What happens if my income or household changes?

Update Covered California promptly. A change can affect financial help, plan eligibility, and the amount reconciled when taxes are filed.

Can I receive Covered California financial help on a plan bought elsewhere?

No. Marketplace financial help is available only for qualifying health plans purchased through Covered California.

Ready to compare Covered California?

Talk with a certified local agent.

Schedule a free consultation

(714) 888-5112