Californians encouraged to join Covered California, enroll in health insurance by Jan. 31 deadline

Covered California visited with the Sacramento community at Café Á Côté to emphasize its commitment to connecting all Californians to affordable health insurance during the current open-enrollment period, which ends Jan. 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.

Representative Doris Matsui encouraged Californians to explore their options and sign up for or renew their coverage by next week's deadline. Matsui has been a member of Congress since 2005 and voted to make the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act the law of the land in 2010.

"The Affordable Care Act has been a lifeline for millions of families in California, but the affordability people have relied on for years is under attack," said Matsui. "Right now, President Trump and Senate Republicans are failing to act on the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, driving the largest premium increases Americans have seen in more than a decade. While I continue fighting in Congress to protect and extend these credits, Covered California remains indispensable — helping Californians find quality, affordable coverage during this final week of open enrollment. Health care is a right, and we have a responsibility to protect it."

Matsui joined Covered California's Executive Director Jessica Altman, California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, community leaders and a Covered California enrollee to highlight the importance of having health insurance.

"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 said. "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 for a plan that is right for them."

Despite this year's unique challenges, 380,000 Californians are enrolled in a 2026 plan with a monthly premium of $10 or less per member, and more than 1.9 million Californians have found a plan that works for them for 2026. That includes more than 107,000 people across the Sacramento area.

"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.

Anyone who needs insurance can use the Shop and Compare Tool on CoveredCA.com to explore plan options in their area and get estimates of coverage and monthly premiums and can sign up by Jan. 31 to have health coverage for the rest of 2026.

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.

About Covered California

Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California's consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, visit CoveredCA.com.