Covered California visited communities across the state to emphasize its commitment to support Californians signing up for or renewing their health insurance coverage during the current Open Enrollment period, which ends this Saturday, January 31. This is happening amid uncertainty and ongoing debate over Enhanced Premium Tax Credits that have delivered greater affordability and record enrollment across the nation.

Covered California’s Executive Director Jessica Altman was joined by local health leaders, the business community and Covered California enrollees to highlight the importance of having health coverage.

“As open enrollment draws to a close, Californians still have time to look out for themselves and those they love – but they need to act fast,” Altman told the crowd. “Affordable health plans are still out there for many of our enrollees, but with the federal changes, it is more important than ever that consumers take advantage of our marketplace and shop.”

Despite this year’s unique challenges, more than 1.9 million Californians have found a plan that works for them for 2026, including nearly 183,000 in the Inland Empire, 148,000 in San Joaquin,  147,000 in San Diego County, 107,000 across the Sacramento Valley and 562,000 in Los Angeles County.

“Increasing health care costs put coverage out of reach for thousands of Californians and others across the nation,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson. “This threatens affordability and will force many individuals and families to lose their insurance altogether. California is stepping up to improve the affordability of the plans for those with the lowest incomes, but there is a long way to go to fill the massive gaps left by Congressional inaction.”

The state of California has put $190 million toward keeping monthly premiums reasonable for the most vulnerable in the state. While this funding doesn’t make up for the $2.5 billion lost with Enhanced Premium Tax Credits sunsetting, nearly 400,000 enrollees are already benefiting. Thousands more across the state are switching to lower-cost plans that help keep their families covered at a price they can afford.

Contra Costa resident Rose Wilkerson, a self-employed caregiver and Covered California enrollee, discussed her coverage story about having a hysterectomy due to fibroid tumors that were over 20 centimeters and causing a lot of pain and suffering.  She further explained that Covered California helped her in so many ways and she was able to get the diagnosis and care needed.

“Your health is very important, stated Wilkerson.  Find out whether or not if you can qualify, and if you can, get it.” Wilkerson stated that she pays approximately $150 a month, the same cost as last year for a Covered California plan.

Anyone who needs insurance can use the Shop and Compare Tool at CoveredCA.com to explore plan options in their area and get estimates of coverage and monthly premiums.

Signing Up for Coverage Is Easy

Consumers can learn more about their options by visiting CoveredCA.com, where they can easily find out if they qualify for financial help and see the coverage options in their area. Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can also:

• Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from one of more than 14,000 certified agents and community-based organizations throughout the state that provide free, confidential help in whatever language or dialect consumers prefer.
• Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free.
• Use Covered California’s online calculator tool.

Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.