11/13/2025
Have a Covered California account? Here's what you need to know:
🚨 ACTION REQUIRED: Covered CA 2026 Changes are Here
The Health Insurance Landscape in California is Shifting—Here's What You Need to Know for 2026 Coverage.
The upcoming Open Enrollment period is one of the most critical in years. With major federal changes and rising healthcare costs, every Covered California enrollee needs to actively review their plan.
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1. The Biggest Financial Change: Federal Subsidies Are Expiring
The enhanced federal premium tax credits, which helped lower monthly premiums for many Californians, are set to expire on December 31, 2025, unless Congress acts to extend them.
• Who is most affected? Households with income above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will lose access to the enhanced subsidies entirely. This group will see the steepest premium increases, in some cases paying the full, unsubsidized cost for the first time in years.
• The Bottom Line: If your household income is in the middle-to-higher range, your monthly premium could skyrocket. This year, you must use the Shop & Compare tool to see your new actual cost.
2. Premium Increases are Significant
Covered California has announced a preliminary weighted average rate increase of just over 10% statewide for 2026. This is roughly double the typical annual adjustment.
• Why the increase? Rising prescription drug costs, medical inflation, and the general cost of providing care are driving these higher rates.
• What You Need to Do: Don't assume your current plan will be the most affordable option. A 10% average increase, combined with a potential loss of subsidies, means you must shop around, even if you like your current plan.
3. The Silver Plan Rollback (Cost-Sharing Changes)
Benefit designs are evolving, especially for Silver plans:
• The Silver 73 Rollback: Many middle-income households (e.g., those between 200% and 250% FPL) who previously qualified for the Enhanced Silver 73 plan will see the cost-sharing benefits reduce.
o This means higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for a significant number of consumers who will be moved to the standard Silver 70 plan.
• New Plan Features: For plan year 2026, many Bronze plans are being updated to be Health Savings Account (HSA) eligible for the first time, offering new tax-advantaged options for those who prefer a lower premium and are comfortable with a higher deductible.
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Key Action Dates
What is Happening Date
Deadline for Jan 1st Coverage: Enroll or renew by this date. December 31, 2025
Open Enrollment Ends: Last day to enroll for 2026. January 31, 2026
Your Next Step
I am a Certified Covered California Agent, and my job is to help you navigate these complex changes at no extra cost to you. I can quickly compare all the plans available to you, confirm your new subsidy eligibility, and find the most cost-effective solution for your budget and medical needs.
➡️ Don't wait until the last minute! Let's schedule a time to review your options starting October 15th so you can secure the best coverage before the December 31st deadline.
Send a message to learn more