Covered California’s Open Enrollment 2026

November 5, 2025

Covered California has begun its 2026 open enrollment period running through January 31, 2026, but faces significant challenges as enhanced federal premium tax credits are set to expire at year's end without congressional action. Without extension of these credits, monthly premiums could increase by an average of 97 percent for over 1. 7 million Californians who currently receive financial assistance, with more than 160,000 middle-income enrollees at risk of losing coverage entirely.

Who is affected

More than 1.7 million Californians enrolled in and receiving financial assistance through Covered California
More than 160,000 middle-income consumers who currently receive enhanced premium tax credits but would lose eligibility in 2026
Californians with incomes up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($23,475 for an individual or $48,225 for a family of four)
Californians earning up to $25,823 for an individual or $53,048 for a family of four (receiving partial assistance)
Nearly 2 million Californians heading into 2026 with coverage
More than 24 million Americans insured through marketplace plans nationwide

What action is being taken

Covered California is conducting its open-enrollment period from November 1 through January 31, 2026
California is providing $190 million in state-funded tax credits for individuals earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level
The state is extending partial additional assistance to those earning up to $25,823 for an individual or $53,048 for a family of four
California is maintaining the enhanced cost-sharing reduction program with $165 million in state funding (allocated in 2025)
Enrollment assistance is being provided through certified insurance agents and community organizations statewide

Why it matters

The expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits threatens to make health insurance unaffordable for millions of Californians, potentially causing a 97 percent average increase in monthly premiums for those receiving financial assistance. This could result in over 160,000 middle-income consumers losing coverage entirely when faced with full premium costs. While California's state funding provides critical support for the lowest-income residents, it represents less than 10 percent of the nearly $2.5 billion in federal assistance Californians currently receive annually, meaning the state cannot fully compensate for the loss of federal support without congressional action. The situation jeopardizes the record enrollment achievements made possible by the Affordable Care Act and could reverse progress in expanding health insurance access to vulnerable populations.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the open enrollment deadline of January 31, 2026, and the December 31 deadline to ensure coverage for all of 2026. The article mentions that enhanced premium tax credits require Congressional action to extend and notes this has been a key point of debate in the ongoing federal government shutdown, but no specific Congressional timeline or action is stated.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint