Best Health Insurance for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in California (2027 Guide)

When you work for yourself, nobody hands you a benefits packet. Freelancers, rideshare drivers, contractors and small business owners in California have to find, pay for and manage their own coverage, and the rules shifted hard in 2026. This guide explains self-employed health insurance in California for the coming 2027 plan year: how Covered California subsidies work on uneven 1099 income, what the Prop 22 stipend pays app-based drivers, when Medi-Cal applies, and what plans actually cost in San Diego County. You will also see two worked examples with real numbers and a list of the mistakes that cost freelancers the most money.

All figures here are based on publicly available information as of September 21, 2026, the date of writing. Rates, subsidy rules and deadlines change often, sometimes mid-year, so confirm anything important on the official sites linked below before you act.

Quick Answer: Most self-employed and gig workers in California get coverage through Covered California, where financial help depends on your projected net income, not your gross receipts. For 2027, federal premium tax credits stop completely above 400% of the federal poverty level ($63,840 for a single person), and a state subsidy adds extra help up to 200% ($31,920 for one person). App-based drivers who average at least 15 engaged hours a week may also get a Prop 22 health stipend. If your income is below 138% of the poverty level, Medi-Cal is usually the route instead. Open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.

What Changed for 2026 and 2027, and Why the Self-Employed Feel It Most

The biggest change is that the extra federal subsidies from 2021 to 2025 are gone. According to the National Health Law Program, Congress did not extend the enhanced premium tax credits past 2025. That brought back the “subsidy cliff,” where earning one dollar over 400% of the poverty level wipes out federal help entirely.

Premiums also kept climbing. Covered California announced a preliminary weighted average rate increase of 9.9% for 2027, following a 10.3% increase for 2026. The 2027 increase for San Diego County (Region 19) is steeper, at 13.1%.

Why this hits freelancers harder than employees

Employees with a job-based plan barely notice any of this. Self-employed people buy their own coverage, estimate their own income, and live with the consequences when that estimate is wrong. Covered California itself noted in its 2027 rate announcement that federal changes have made things harder for gig workers who have to recalculate their income every year.

The repayment cap is gone

This is the change that worries tax preparers most. The IRS confirms that the One Big Beautiful Bill removed the limits on repaying excess advance premium tax credits for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025. Before, repayment was capped for people under 400% of the poverty level. Now, if you underestimate your 2026 income, you may owe back every dollar of excess credit when you file in 2027.

Income-based special enrollment is effectively gone too

The National Health Law Program reports that starting January 1, 2026, people who enroll through an income-based special enrollment period outside open enrollment are no longer eligible for premium tax credits. For most freelancers, that makes the November–January window the one that really counts.

Open enrollment stays at three months

A federal court decision preserved the normal window. Covered California’s June 2026 enroller guide says a ruling in City of Columbus v. Kennedy vacated the shortened open enrollment period, so 2027 open enrollment returns to November 1 through January 31.

Your Main Coverage Options at a Glance

Before comparing insurance companies, it helps to know which lane you are in. Your income, household, and whether you have W-2 staff decide most of this for you.

Option	Who it usually fits	Financial help?	Key catch
Medi-Cal	Household income under about 138% of FPL	Free or very low cost	New work and six-month check rules for many adults from January 2027
Covered California with subsidies	Income roughly 138%–400% of FPL	Federal tax credit; state subsidy up to 200% FPL	You must estimate income, and excess credit is now fully repayable
Covered California or off-exchange at full price	Income above 400% of FPL	None	You pay the full premium; off-exchange plans can offer different networks
Spouse or partner’s job-based plan	Anyone with access	Employer usually pays part	Eligibility for it can block marketplace credits and your self-employed deduction
Small group plan (e.g. Covered California for Small Business)	Owners with at least one non-spouse W-2 employee	Possible small business tax credit	Solo owners and owner-plus-spouse businesses generally do not qualify
QSEHRA or ICHRA reimbursement	Small employers with staff	Tax-free reimbursement to employees	Mostly benefits your employees, not a solo owner
COBRA or Cal-COBRA	People who just left a job	None	Often expensive; a marketplace plan may cost less
Short-term plans	Nobody in California	N/A	Banned in California since January 1, 2019

A licensed agent or a Covered California certified enroller can tell you which of these applies to your situation. The service is free to you through Covered California.

Self-Employed Health Insurance in California: How Subsidies Work on 1099 Income

This is the section most freelancers get wrong, so it is worth slowing down.

Subsidies follow net income, not gross receipts

Covered California bases financial help on your household’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for the calendar year you want coverage. For a sole proprietor, that starts with net profit after business expenses, not what clients paid you. A photographer who billed $70,000 but spent $18,000 on gear, mileage and software is working from roughly $52,000, before other adjustments.

Because MAGI starts from adjusted gross income, above-the-line deductions such as deductible retirement contributions and HSA contributions lower it. That is why the way you run your business and save for retirement can change what you pay for health insurance.

The 2027 income bands

For 2027 coverage, Covered California uses the 2026 federal poverty guidelines, which ASPE publishes at $15,960 for one person and $21,640 for two. The IRS set the 2027 “applicable percentages,” meaning the share of income you are expected to pay toward the benchmark silver plan, in Revenue Procedure 2026-26.

Income as % of FPL	Single-person income (2027 coverage)	Federal expected contribution	California state subsidy	Enhanced silver plan available
Under 138%	Under about $22,025	Usually Medi-Cal instead	—	—
138%–150%	$22,025–$23,940	3.23% to 4.3%	0% contribution (up to 150%)	Silver 94
150%–200%	$23,940–$31,920	4.3% to 6.78%	2.8% to 5.28%	Silver 87
200%–250%	$31,920–$39,900	6.78% to 8.66%	None	Silver 73
250%–300%	$39,900–$47,880	8.66% to 10.22%	None	Standard silver
300%–400%	$47,880–$63,840	10.22%	None	Standard silver
Over 400%	Over $63,840	No federal credit	None	Standard silver

The contribution percentages rise on a sliding scale within each band. Covered California describes Silver 94, 87 and 73 as enhanced silver plans for households up to 250% of the poverty level, with lower deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket maximums.

How the tax credit is calculated

The math is simpler than it looks. Covered California finds the second-lowest-cost silver plan in your area (the “benchmark”), then subtracts your expected contribution. The difference is your monthly credit, and you can apply it to any metal tier.

If you pick a cheaper bronze plan, the full credit still applies, which can push your premium very low. If you pick gold, you pay the extra. Covered California’s own illustration shows a 40-year-old in Sacramento at 200% of the poverty level, where a $638 benchmark minus a $172 expected contribution produces roughly a $467 monthly credit.

California’s state subsidy for 2027

California stepped in where federal help shrank. According to Covered California, the state raised its subsidy budget to $300 million from $190 million, extending help to households up to 200% of the poverty level in 2027, which is $31,920 for one person or $66,000 for a family of four. The state’s 2027 program design sets expected contributions at 0% up to 150% of FPL and 2.8% to 5.28% between 150% and 200%.

Covered California projects more than 500,000 Californians will receive a state subsidy in 2027, and nearly 200,000 will be able to pick from two silver plans with a $0 premium.

The 400% cliff in plain numbers

For a two-person household buying 2027 coverage, 400% of the poverty level is $86,560. At a MAGI of $86,000, the IRS caps the expected contribution at 10.22% of income, or about $732 a month for the benchmark plan. At $87,000, the federal credit disappears and the household pays the full sticker price.

The California Health Care Foundation modeled what this looks like for an older enrollee just over 400%, whose monthly premium almost doubled from $554 to over $1,000 in 2026. Many people near the line consider timing income, deductible retirement contributions or HSA contributions, but a tax professional can tell you what fits your situation.

San Diego County: Carriers, Networks and What Plans Cost

San Diego is its own pricing area, Covered California Region 19, with 136,310 enrollees as of March 2026. That makes it one of the larger regions in the state, and one with a mix of big statewide carriers and a hometown health plan.

Who sells plans here

Covered California’s 2026 rate sheet for San Diego County lists plans from Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare and Sharp Health Plan. Blue Shield and Health Net offer PPO options in the county; the others are HMOs. Some plans, marked with an asterisk on the sheet, are not available in every San Diego ZIP code, so an address in Ramona or Borrego Springs may see different choices from one in Hillcrest or Chula Vista.

Sample full-price premiums

The table below uses Covered California’s preliminary 2026 rates for a single 40-year-old in San Diego County, before any financial help. It shows the lowest listed premium for each carrier at each metal tier.

Carrier (San Diego County)	Plan type	Lowest bronze	Lowest silver	Lowest gold	2027 statewide average change
Anthem Blue Cross	HMO	$468	$544	$726	+13.0%
Blue Shield of California	PPO / HMO*	$683 (PPO)	$516 (HMO*)	$574 (HMO*)	+12.5%
Health Net	PPO / HMO	$569 (PPO)	$553 (HMO)	$652 (HMO)	+13.2%
Kaiser Permanente	HMO*	$432	$530	$545	+6.7%
Molina Healthcare	HMO	$449	$490	$559	+16.9%
Sharp Health Plan	HMO*	$448	$475	$590	+12.3%

*Not available in every San Diego County ZIP code. Source: Covered California 2026 Regional Rates by County (preliminary, 40-year-old single individual) and Covered California’s 2027 rate announcement for carrier-level changes.

Two cautions. These are 2026 sticker prices, and 2027 prices in the county are expected to be about 13.1% higher on average. And carrier-wide statewide averages do not tell you what your specific plan will do, so the Shop and Compare tool on CoveredCA.com is the only reliable quote.

Network questions that matter locally

In San Diego, the network often matters more than the logo on the card. Kaiser runs its own facilities, Sharp Health Plan is tied to the Sharp system, and access to UC San Diego Health depends on the plan. UC San Diego Health’s own Covered California page notes, for example, that it remains in network with Health Net’s Ambetter PPO through the end of 2026 while negotiating for 2027, and that some HMOs only give access for specialty referrals.

Freelancers who split time between San Diego and Los Angeles, or who travel for work, often weigh a PPO’s broader reach against a cheaper HMO. If you get care in Tijuana, check each plan’s out-of-country rules separately, because emergency and routine coverage abroad are usually treated very differently.

Gig Workers and the Prop 22 Health Stipend

If you drive or deliver for companies such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash or Instacart in California, you may be owed money toward your health insurance. Prop 22 requires app-based companies to pay qualifying drivers a quarterly health care stipend.

How much it pays for 2027

The stipend is tied to Covered California’s average statewide bronze premium. Covered California posted that figure for 2027 on September 1, 2026: $792 a month. Covered California’s enroller guide explains the formula: 82% of that average for drivers who average 25 or more engaged hours a week in a quarter, and 41% for those averaging at least 15 but fewer than 25.

Applying that formula to the 2027 average works out to roughly $649 a month at the full level and about $325 at the half level. For comparison, the 2026 amounts published by Covered California were $579 and $289. Confirm your exact amount with the company you drive for, since the company, not Covered California, pays it.

The rules that trip drivers up

“Engaged time” only counts from when you accept a ride or delivery until you complete it. Time waiting between requests does not count, so a driver working 35 hours a week might log far fewer engaged hours.

Covered California’s guide also notes that the stipend applies to individual market coverage you buy yourself, and companies do not have to pay it for coverage through Medicare, Medi-Cal or another job. You can collect from more than one company only if you exceed the engaged-hour threshold with each one, and companies may ask for proof of coverage every quarter.

Stacking the stipend with subsidies

The stipend and Covered California financial help can work together. Covered California notes that drivers may qualify for both, and that the stipend works like a reimbursement paid directly to the driver rather than a discount on the bill. Drivers who newly qualify for the stipend can also use a special enrollment reason in Covered California’s system labeled “Newly qualifies for health insurance stipend.”

How the stipend is treated on your tax return is a question for a tax preparer, since it can affect the income you report to Covered California.

Medi-Cal for Low-Income Freelancers and Gig Workers

In a slow year, or when you are just starting out, your income may fall into Medi-Cal range. Adults generally qualify under about 138% of the poverty level, which is roughly $22,025 for one person using the 2026 guidelines.

The asset test does not apply to most working-age adults

California reinstated a Medi-Cal asset limit on January 1, 2026, of $130,000 for one person plus $65,000 for each additional household member. However, San Diego County’s HHSA explains that the asset test does not apply to families who qualify under federal tax (MAGI) rules, which is how most working-age freelancers qualify. It mainly affects people 65 and older, people with disabilities, and some others.

New work rules and six-month checks from January 2027

Federal law adds new requirements next year. According to San Diego County HHSA, starting January 1, 2027, adults 19 to 64 covered through the Affordable Care Act expansion must meet work and community engagement rules. The county lists ways to comply, including working at least 80 hours a month and earning at least $580 monthly, with seasonal workers allowed to average $580 a month over six months.

There is a long list of exemptions, including parents of children 13 and younger, pregnancy, serious health conditions, and people receiving Medicare. The same county page says adults 19 to 64 will also have eligibility checked twice a year instead of once.

These rules are still moving. DHCS reports that California is a lead plaintiff in a multi-state lawsuit filed in June 2026 challenging parts of the federal rule, including a request to push back the January 1, 2027 start date. Gig workers on Medi-Cal may want to keep app earnings statements and invoices organized now, in case the county asks for proof.

Enrollment freeze for some immigrants

Since January 1, 2026, some adults without satisfactory immigration status can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal, according to San Diego County HHSA. People already enrolled keep coverage if they renew on time. Separately, Covered California’s June 2026 guide says many lawfully present immigrants, including refugees, asylees, TPS holders and people on work or student visas, lose eligibility for federal marketplace financial help on January 1, 2027. Anyone affected may want to speak with a certified enroller or legal aid organization before open enrollment.

Worked Examples: Two San Diego Households

These examples use real 2027 percentages from the IRS and the state, and 2026 poverty guidelines from ASPE. Benchmark premiums are assumptions, clearly labeled, because Covered California’s ZIP-level 2027 quotes only appear in Shop and Compare. Your numbers will differ.

Example 1: Maya, 40, freelance UX designer in North Park

Maya expects net self-employment income that puts her 2027 MAGI at about $45,000. With a one-person poverty line of $15,960, she sits at about 282% of FPL. Under the IRS 2027 table, her expected contribution works out to roughly 9.66% of income, or about $4,347 a year ($362 a month) toward the benchmark silver plan.

Assume the second-lowest silver plan for her ZIP quotes at $560 a month for 2027. (For reference, the second-lowest silver for a 40-year-old in San Diego County was about $490 in Covered California’s preliminary 2026 sheet, and the region’s average 2027 increase is 13.1%.) Her tax credit would be about $560 − $362 = $198 a month.

If she chooses a bronze plan quoted at $490, she would pay about $292 a month. If she chooses the benchmark silver, she would pay about $362.

The HSA twist. Since 2026, the IRS treats bronze and catastrophic plans as HSA-compatible. Suppose Maya picks bronze and contributes $4,400 to an HSA, the 2026 self-only limit reported by the Journal of Accountancy. Her MAGI drops to about $40,600, or roughly 254% of FPL. Her expected contribution falls to about 8.8%, roughly $298 a month, so her credit rises to about $262 and her bronze premium drops to about $228.

That is roughly $768 a year in extra premium help, before counting any federal income tax savings on the contribution. California does not follow federal HSA rules, so the contribution is not deductible on her state return. A tax preparer can tell her whether the trade-off works, especially given a bronze plan’s higher deductible.

Example 2: Luis, 30, rideshare and delivery driver in Chula Vista

Luis expects about $30,000 in 2027 net earnings after mileage and expenses. That is about 188% of FPL, which puts him inside both the federal credit and the state subsidy range.

Under the federal table his expected contribution would be about 6.18% of income. The state program lowers it to about 4.68%, or roughly $1,404 a year. That means the benchmark silver plan would cost him about $117 a month after financial help, whatever its sticker price, and at his income it would be a Silver 87 plan with lower cost-sharing.

If Luis averages 25 or more engaged hours a week on one app, the Prop 22 formula points to a stipend of about $649 a month for 2027, paid quarterly. If he averages 15 to 25 engaged hours, it would be about $325. Either way, the stipend could cover most or all of his net premium.

One wrinkle is worth knowing. If his income dropped below about $22,025, he would likely move to Medi-Cal, which is free or low cost, but Prop 22 stipends do not have to be paid for Medi-Cal coverage.

Tax Tools: The Self-Employed Deduction, HSAs and California’s Differences

The self-employed health insurance deduction

The IRS lets many self-employed people deduct health insurance premiums for themselves, a spouse and dependents on Schedule 1, figured on Form 7206. According to the IRS instructions for Form 7206, premiums for a month do not count if you were eligible to join a subsidized employer plan, including through a spouse’s job, for that month. The deduction is also limited by the net profit of the business under which the plan is established.

This deduction reduces income tax, not self-employment tax. The IRS instructions say you cannot subtract it when figuring net earnings for self-employment tax.

When you also get a marketplace credit

If you receive a premium tax credit, you can only deduct the premiums you actually paid after the credit. Because the deduction lowers MAGI, and MAGI sets the credit, the two calculations depend on each other. The IRS points people to Publication 974 for this, and good tax software handles it automatically.

HSAs on bronze plans, and California’s catch

The IRS says that as of January 1, 2026, bronze and catastrophic plans are treated as HSA-compatible, and Notice 2026-05 clarifies they do not have to be bought through an exchange. For 2026, the Journal of Accountancy reports HSA limits of $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up at age 55 and older.

California is different. The Franchise Tax Board states that California does not recognize HSAs, so contributions are added back on your state return and earnings are taxed. The federal benefit and the Covered California subsidy benefit still apply.

The state coverage mandate

California has its own individual mandate. The Franchise Tax Board says California residents without qualifying coverage for 2025 generally owe at least $950 per adult and $475 per dependent child, or 2.5% of income above the filing threshold, whichever is higher. A short gap of three consecutive months or less is exempt, and the amounts are adjusted over time.

Other Routes: Spouse’s Plan, Small Group, HRAs, COBRA and Products to Handle Carefully

A spouse’s or partner’s job-based plan

If your spouse’s employer offers affordable family coverage, you may not qualify for marketplace credits, and you lose the self-employed deduction for those months. For 2027, the IRS affordability threshold is 10.22% of household income. Comparing the family plan’s payroll cost with a marketplace quote is worth doing every year.

Small group coverage when you have staff

Covered California for Small Business requires at least one W-2 employee who is not the owner’s spouse, 100 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees, and a majority of eligible employees living in California. Covered California says sole proprietors without W-2 employees should look at the individual marketplace instead.

QSEHRA and ICHRA

These arrangements let an employer reimburse workers tax-free for individual coverage. For 2026, a QSEHRA can reimburse up to $6,450 for self-only coverage and $13,100 for family coverage, according to healthinsurance.org. They mainly help business owners who have employees; they are not a way for a solo owner to cover themselves.

COBRA

COBRA keeps your old employer plan, but you usually pay the full premium plus an administrative fee. Losing job-based coverage is a qualifying life event, so newly self-employed people often compare COBRA against a subsidized Covered California plan before deciding.

Short-term plans, sharing ministries and fixed-indemnity products

Short-term limited-duration health insurance cannot be sold in California. SB 910 prohibited insurers from issuing, selling, renewing or offering these policies starting January 1, 2019.

Other non-ACA products, such as health care sharing ministries, fixed-indemnity plans and critical illness policies, are still sold. They are not comprehensive insurance, may not cover pre-existing conditions, and generally do not count as qualifying coverage. Anyone considering one may want to read Form FTB 3853’s exemption rules and ask the California Department of Insurance’s consumer line before relying on it.

How to Enroll for 2027, and Mistakes That Cost Freelancers Money

Step-by-step enrollment

Estimate your 2027 income carefully. Start with your latest Schedule C net profit, then adjust for contracts you expect to gain or lose. Include a spouse’s income if you file jointly.
Check your renewal notice. Covered California says current enrollees can renew or switch plans starting October 1.
Shop in November. Open enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Covered California says you need to enroll by December 31 for coverage starting January 1.
Check networks by name. Search for your doctors and preferred hospital, such as Sharp Memorial, Scripps, Kaiser Zion or UC San Diego Health, in each plan’s directory.
Keep proof of income. Invoices, 1099s, platform statements and a profit-and-loss sheet make income verification easier.
Report changes within the year. A big new contract or a slow quarter changes your credit. Updating your income promptly is the main protection now that repayment caps are gone.

Common mistakes

Reporting gross instead of net income. This overstates income and can cost you help you are entitled to.

Guessing low to get a bigger credit. Starting with 2026 tax returns, excess advance credits must be repaid in full. A low guess can turn into a large tax bill in April.

Auto-renewing without shopping. Covered California estimates that San Diego enrollees who shop and switch to the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier could see an average change of 2.8% instead of 13.1%.

Choosing bronze by reflex. Covered California has published research warning that care costs for consumers who switch to bronze could double. If you use a lot of care, a silver or enhanced silver plan may cost less overall.

Ignoring Prop 22 paperwork. Drivers who never submit proof of coverage can leave hundreds of dollars a month unclaimed.

Missing the window. With income-based special enrollment no longer carrying tax credits, waiting until mid-year can leave you paying full price or uninsured.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest health insurance for self-employed people in California?

For many, the lowest net cost is a Covered California plan with financial help, because credits are based on income rather than health. Below about 138% of the poverty level, Medi-Cal is usually free. Above 400%, there is no federal help, so shoppers often compare on-exchange and off-exchange plans at full price. The cheapest premium is not always the cheapest year if you need regular care.

Can I get Covered California if I am a 1099 contractor?

Yes. Covered California serves anyone who is a California resident, lawfully present, and not eligible for other qualifying coverage such as Medi-Cal or affordable job-based insurance. Contractors estimate their net self-employment income for the coverage year. There is no requirement to have an employer, and you cannot be turned down or charged more because of a health condition.

How do I estimate income for Covered California if I am self-employed?

Most people start with their most recent Schedule C net profit and adjust for known changes, such as a lost client or a new retainer. Covered California generally looks at net self-employment income after business expenses. Keep records of how you built the estimate, and update your application if income changes during the year, since excess credits are now fully repayable.

How much is the Prop 22 health stipend in 2027?

Covered California set the 2027 average statewide bronze premium at $792 a month. Prop 22 pays 82% of that for drivers averaging 25 or more engaged hours a week in a quarter, and 41% for 15 to 25 hours. That works out to roughly $649 or $325 a month. The app company pays it quarterly and may require proof of coverage.

Do gig workers qualify for Medi-Cal?

Yes, if household income is low enough, generally under about 138% of the poverty level for adults. Starting January 2027, many Medi-Cal adults ages 19 to 64 will need to show 80 hours a month of work or other activities, or earnings of at least $580 a month, unless exempt. San Diego County HHSA lists the exemptions and how to meet the rules.

Can self-employed people deduct health insurance premiums?

Often, yes. The IRS allows a self-employed health insurance deduction on Schedule 1 using Form 7206 for premiums covering you, your spouse and dependents. It is limited by your business’s net profit and is not allowed for months you were eligible for a subsidized employer plan. It lowers income tax but not self-employment tax.

When is open enrollment for Covered California 2027?

Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027. To have coverage start January 1, 2027, you need to enroll by December 31, 2026. Current members can renew or switch starting October 1. Outside that window, you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage or moving.

Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in California?

Yes. California enforces its own mandate through the Franchise Tax Board. For the 2025 tax year, the penalty was at least $950 per adult and $475 per child, or 2.5% of income above the filing threshold, whichever is higher. Short gaps of three months or less, and some hardship situations, can be exempt.

Are bronze plans HSA-eligible now?

Yes. Since January 1, 2026, the IRS treats bronze and catastrophic individual plans as HSA-compatible, whether bought on or off the exchange. For 2026 the contribution limits are $4,400 for self-only and $8,750 for family coverage. California does not recognize HSAs, so contributions are taxable on your state return.

Conclusion

The best self-employed health insurance in California is rarely one company or one plan. It is the combination of an accurate income estimate, the right program for your income band, and a network that includes the doctors you actually use. For 2027, that means paying close attention to the 200% and 400% thresholds, claiming a Prop 22 stipend if you drive, and remembering that excess tax credits are now fully repayable.

Your next step is simple: pull last year’s net profit, sketch your 2027 estimate, and run it through Covered California’s Shop and Compare tool before open enrollment opens on November 1. A certified enroller or licensed agent in San Diego can then walk you through which plan and tax strategy fit your situation, at no cost to you.

Sources

Covered California — “Covered California Rates and Plans for 2027: California Continues Fight for Health Insurance Affordability and Access” — https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2026/07/21/covered-california-rates-and-plans-for-2027-california-continues-fight-for-health-insurance-affordability-and-access/ — accessed September 21, 2026
Covered California — “Covered California Announces Premium Change for 2027 Dental Plans While Continuing to Deliver Affordable Coverage Options” — https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2026/08/25/covered-california-announces-premium-change-for-2027-dental-plans-while-continuing-to-deliver-affordable-coverage-options/ — accessed September 21, 2026
Covered California — “Covered California Rates and Plans for 2026” (August 14, 2025) — https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2025/08/14/covered-california-rates-and-plans-for-2026-consumer-affordability-on-the-line-with-uncertainty-surrounding-federal-premium-tax-credit-extension/ — accessed September 21, 2026
Covered California — “2027 California Premium Subsidy Program Design” — https://hbex.coveredca.com/data-research/Final-2027-California-Premium-Subsidy-Program-Design.pdf — accessed September 21, 2026
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Covered California — “Data & Research” (incl. bronze cost-of-care brief) — https://hbex.coveredca.com/data-research/ — accessed September 21, 2026
Covered California for Small Business — “Eligibility Guidelines” — https://www.coveredca.com/forsmallbusiness/eligible/ — accessed September 21, 2026
Internal Revenue Service — “Rev. Proc. 2026-26” (2027 applicable percentage table) — https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-26-26.pdf — accessed September 21, 2026
Internal Revenue Service — “IRS updates frequently asked questions on the Premium Tax Credit” — https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-updates-frequently-asked-questions-on-the-premium-tax-credit — accessed September 21, 2026
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