As we head into the final months of 2026, it’s time to start preparing for 2027 health insurance renewals. Covered California members can begin renewing or changing their plans starting October 1, 2026, while Open Enrollment officially begins November 1.
For 2027, Covered California has announced a preliminary statewide average premium increase of 9.9%. Your actual increase may be higher or lower depending on your insurance carrier, plan, age, and region. Rising medical and prescription drug costs continue to contribute to higher premiums.
The Subsidy Picture Has Changed
One of the biggest changes affecting health insurance affordability actually happened at the beginning of 2026. The enhanced federal premium tax credits available since 2021 expired on December 31, 2025. As a result, many Californians are paying more for health insurance this year, subsidies will not be given out for incomes over 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), approx. $ 62,600 for an individual.
California stepped in with its own state-funded assistance for certain lower-income households in 2026, but it does not replace the much larger enhanced federal financial help that previously existed. For 2027, California will contribute $300 million to strengthen the Silver Cost Share plan. This money will subsidize consumers living under 200% of the FPL, or with individual incomes between $23,940 and $31,900. At tax time, your tax preparer will need to review your federal 1095-A and the state tax form #3895. Subsidies with Covered California continue to offer the regular federal Premium Tax Credit to eligible households.
This makes it especially important to update your projected household income for 2027. Your income, household size, and other information can directly affect the financial assistance you receive.
Important Reminders for Immigrants
In 2027, there will be significant changes for Immigrants in the process of becoming “green card holders”.
Unfortunately, new federal rules will change financial assistance for many lawfully present immigrants in 2027. People with pending green card applications, work or student visas, asylum or refugee status, and certain humanitarian protections will no longer qualify for Covered California subsidies. However, green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and certain Pacific Island migrants may remain eligible.
Importantly, affected immigrants can still purchase Covered California health insurance, but they may have to pay the full premium. Eligibility depends on their immigration status.
They can still apply through Covered California to obtain health insurance, but they will not receive any subsidies. It is estimated that approximately 140,000 current Covered California policyholder will lose their subsidies.
Furthermore, the updated public charge guidance allows immigration officers to consider an applicant’s history of using certain income-based public assistance programs. These may include cash assistance and, depending on the applicable rules, other public benefits. Officers consider this information as part of a broader financial assessment.
If you are applying for a green card, speak with your immigration attorney first. Ask how Covered California subsidies or Medi-Cal may affect your application. Then, make an informed decision about your health coverage.Not all benefits count toward a public charge determination. Therefore, it is important to understand which rules apply to your situation.
Don’t Automatically Renew Without Reviewing Your Plan
Covered California members can begin renewing or switching plans on October 1, 2026. Next, Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. To ensure your coverage starts on January 1, 2027, complete your enrollment by December 31, 2026.
Even if you are happy with your current plan, review your renewal carefully. Your premium, deductible, copays, prescription drug coverage, and provider network can change from year to year. A plan that worked well in 2026 may not necessarily provide the best value in 2027.
Bronze Plans: More HSA Opportunities
A major change began in 2026 and remains important for 2027: Bronze and Minimum Coverage plans can qualify for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) under the new federal rules. Covered California’s 2027 design also specifically allows HSA-eligible plans to offer certain telehealth and remote-care services before the deductible.
However, the 2027 out-of-pocket maximum will increase from $9,800 to $11,650 for Bronze plans and $12,000 for Catastrophic plans for an individual, and double that for a family. Although the Silver 70 will have a lower deductible in 2027, from $5,200 to $4,700, the out-of-pocket maximum is increasing to $11,600 for individuals and double this for families.
The need to supplement your insurance with out-of-pocket maximum protection, accident indemnity plans, cancer plans, and hospital plans is increasing to avoid financial bankruptcy.
Furthermore, specialty visits are increasing to $100 for the Silver and Bronze plans, while primary doctor visits on Silver remain $50 and Bronze $60. Please click here for the full Covered California benefit design.
Pay Special Attention to Enhanced Silver Plans
If you receive additional cost-sharing assistance through a Silver 73, Silver 87 or Silver 94 plan, don’t compare plans based only on the monthly premium. These Enhanced Silver plans can reduce deductibles, copays, coinsurance and annual out-of-pocket costs for eligible households.
For example, the upcoming Silver 73 design lists a $4,700 individual medical deductible. Benefit designs can change year to year, so review your 2027 renewal rather than assuming your benefits will stay the same.
Gold and Platinum: Higher Premiums, Lower Upfront Medical Costs
Gold and Platinum plans remain attractive for people who expect to use their insurance regularly. Covered California’s standardized Gold and Platinum designs generally provide coverage without a medical deductible, although members continue to pay applicable copays and coinsurance.
Someone who regularly sees specialists, takes medications or anticipates procedures should therefore compare the total expected annual cost, rather than simply choosing the plan with the lowest monthly premium.
We’re Here to Help You Prepare for 2027
At Solid Health Insurance Services, we will review the new 2027 plans and compare your renewal with other available options. We can help you look beyond the monthly premium and consider your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, deductible and expected medical needs.
Before renewal season begins, make sure your household information, address and projected 2027 income are up to date. A little preparation now can make Open Enrollment much easier — and could help you find better coverage or avoid paying more than necessary.