Country Guide
Best Health Insurance in California (2026)
California runs its own ACA marketplace (Covered California) with enhanced subsidies. Compare top plans.
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 21, 2026
Top Exchanges in California
| # | Exchange | Best For | Fees | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaiser Permanente CA | Integrated care | $5,520/yr | — |
| 2 | Blue Shield of California | Wide PPO network | $5,160/yr | — |
| 3 | Anthem Blue Cross CA | Large network | $5,400/yr | — |
| 4 | Oscar Health CA | Digital tools | $4,440/yr | — |
| 5 | Health Net CA | Budget plans | $4,680/yr | — |
California health insurance landscape
California operates one of the most consumer-friendly health insurance markets in the country through Covered California, the state's ACA marketplace. Since 2020, California has enforced its own individual mandate (SB 78), requiring residents to maintain minimum essential coverage or face a state tax penalty of $900 per adult ($450 per child) or 2.5% of household income, whichever is greater.
Coverage options comparison
| Plan tier | Monthly premium (single, age 40) | Deductible | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $350–$450 | $6,500–$7,000 | Healthy adults wanting low premiums |
| Silver (with CSR) | $420–$550 | $250–$2,500 | Subsidy-eligible households under 250% FPL |
| Gold | $500–$650 | $0–$1,500 | Families with regular medical needs |
| Platinum | $600–$780 | $0 | Those wanting maximum coverage |
Key California regulations
California extends premium subsidies beyond federal ACA levels — households earning up to 600% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for state-funded assistance through Covered California. AB 72 protects consumers from surprise billing by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities. The state also prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging more based on pre-existing conditions, gender, or health status, and requires coverage of all 10 essential health benefits including mental health parity.
How to save on California health insurance
- Check Covered California subsidies: A family of four earning up to $156,000 may qualify for premium assistance
- Choose Silver plans if subsidy-eligible: Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) dramatically lower deductibles and copays for households under 250% FPL
- Use Medi-Cal if eligible: Households under 138% FPL qualify for free comprehensive coverage
- Compare narrow network plans: Kaiser Permanente and other HMOs offer 15–25% lower premiums than broad PPO networks
- Time your enrollment: Open enrollment runs November through January — qualifying life events allow special enrollment periods year-round
- Maximize preventive care: All ACA plans cover preventive services at no cost — use them to avoid expensive treatments later
Medi-Cal expansion
California has expanded Medi-Cal to cover all income-eligible adults regardless of immigration status, making it the first state to offer universal Medicaid eligibility. As of 2024, over 15 million Californians — roughly 38% of the state — are enrolled in Medi-Cal, providing comprehensive coverage including dental, vision, and mental health services at no cost to enrollees.
Crypto Regulations in California
California enforces a state individual mandate (SB 78) with penalties of $900/adult or 2.5% of income. Covered California extends subsidies to 600% FPL. AB 72 provides surprise billing protections. Medi-Cal covers all income-eligible adults regardless of immigration status. Insurers cannot use pre-existing conditions, gender, or health status in pricing. All 10 essential health benefits and mental health parity are required.