How To Sign Up for Obamacare in California
For 2023 health plans, California open enrollment runs from November 1, 2022 until January 31, 2023. This open enrollment period is two weeks longer than most other states, allowing you more time to get covered. However, if you want your coverage to start on January 1, you'll need to sign up by the end of the day on December 15.
Open enrollment has ended for 2022 plans. However, you may still be able to purchase health insurance for this year if you qualify for a special enrollment period. For example, if you’ve recently lost your job or significant income, you might qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period that will allow you to sign up for a new health insurance plan. (See What Happens If I Missed the Enrollment Deadline for 2022?)
To get covered, you can go directly to the online health insurance marketplace for California. If you need personalized help, you can reach out to an enrollment assistant. Most enrollment helpers are working remotely during the COVID crisis.
Where's the California Health Care Exchange?
You can find the health insurance exchange for California at Covered California. This is where you can learn about the various health insurance options available to you under the Affordable Care Act. If you see a plan you like, you'll be guided through the enrollment process online.
Getting Personalized Help with Enrollment
In California, if you need help understanding your options for coverage under Obamacare or signing up for a plan, you can get free assistance from a certified enrollment counselor or from a licensed health insurance agent or broker.
Enrollment counselors can explain your options, answer your questions, and help you apply for the plan you choose -- but they can't recommend a specific plan for you.
To find an enrollment counselor, go to Contact Us at Covered California. You can then search for a certified helper in your area.
How Much Does Obamacare Insurance Cost in California?
This article explains the costs of health care plans offered under the Affordable Care Act (commonly called Obamacare) for individuals or families who are currently uninsured or not covered by a job-based health plan.
What you'll pay for an Obamacare plan depends on five things:
- The level of coverage you choose
- Whether you qualify for a subsidy
- Where you live in California
- Your age
- Whether you smoke
Read on to learn more about each of these factors.
1. The Level of Coverage You Choose
Obamacare insurance plans offer four levels of coverage:
Platinum -- covers approximately 90% of health care costs
Gold -- covers approximately 80% of health care costs
Silver -- covers approximately 70% of health care costs
Bronze –- covers approximately 60% of health care costs