How To Sign Up for Obamacare in California
For 2024 health plans, California open enrollment runs from November 1, 2023 until January 31, 2024. 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.
Once open enrollment ends, 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 Miss the Enrollment Deadline?)
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.
California Medicaid Expansion: Do I Qualify for Medicaid Under the ACA?
The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) expanded Medicaid eligibility to include more people who couldn’t otherwise obtain health insurance. As written, the ACA would extend Medicaid to all adults with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. (For a single person in California in 2023, that’s $20,120. For a family of four, it’s $41,400.)
However, the U.S. Supreme Court later ruled that it was up to individual states to decide whether to expand Medicaid. As of December 2023, only 10 states have not expanded their programs.
California Has Expanded Medicaid
Because California did decide to expand its Medicaid program, residents can qualify for Medicaid more easily today than in years past.
Get Help Finding a Health Insurance Plan in California
Get Help From California's Health Insurance Exchange
The following links and telephone numbers take you to the official help resources for Covered California, the health insurance marketplace for California.
Get help by phone: 800-300-1506 (TTY: 888-889-4500)
Get help in person: Go to Get Help at Covered California. You can then search for a navigator, certified enrollment counselor, or certified agent in your area.
Get help online: To have a computer chat with a support representative at Covered California, click here.
Get Help From a Licensed Insurance Broker
To directly connect with a California insurance broker who can help you evaluate insurance plans and choose a plan that's appropriate for your situation, call 800-943-6832. (We receive advertising income from the licensed brokers who offer their services through this telephone number.)
More Information
For more detailed information, see How Do I Sign Up for Obamacare in California?