Free Health Insurance California 2027: Medi-Cal & $0 Covered California Plans
Free health insurance in California comes from two places: Medi-Cal, or a Covered California plan where federal and state help covers the premium. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027. Here are the 2027 income limits, California's state subsidy, the Medi-Cal changes coming in 2027, and how to enroll free.
Get My Free 2027 Quote ↓How Free Health Insurance Works in California for 2027
Quick answer: Free health insurance in California comes from Medi-Cal, which covers adults earning up to 138% of the poverty level (about $22,025 a year for one person), or from a Covered California plan whose federal and state help covers the whole premium. Open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.
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Covered California is the state's own health insurance marketplace, at coveredca.com. CMS lists California as a state-based marketplace for plan year 2027, so Californians don't shop on HealthCare.gov. Covered California is where you buy a private health plan with a federal premium tax credit, and one application covers both Covered California and Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program. Covered California had about 1,785,000 enrollees as of March 2026, and the state projects Medi-Cal will cover about 13.9 million Californians in 2026-27, roughly one-third of the state. From Los Angeles and San Diego to Sacramento, Fresno and the Bay Area, the same marketplace rules apply statewide.
2027 is a year to re-shop with care. The enhanced federal tax credits of 2021–2025 expired at the end of 2025 and are not back for 2027 under current law, so the 400% FPL cliff has returned. Covered California's preliminary 2027 rates show a 9.9% weighted average increase, still subject to state review. California is answering with a larger state premium subsidy for households up to 200% FPL, and Medi-Cal is changing too, with a federal work requirement for expansion adults starting January 1, 2027.
FreedInsure LLC is an independent brokerage; its licensed agent, Constantino Lardi (NPN 20230457), is licensed in 42 states, California included. We project your income, estimate your federal credit and California state subsidy, compare the Covered California plans in your region, and handle the enrollment — and our help is 100% free to you. We're a private broker, not Covered California and not a government agency. Call (844) 788-3733 or see if you qualify.
California Health Insurance Income Limits for 2027
Covered California savings for 2027 coverage are figured against the 2026 federal poverty guidelines: $15,960 for one person and $33,000 for a family of four. The IRS sets the share of income you're expected to pay for the benchmark Silver plan, from 2.15% to 10.22% as income rises, and the federal credit covers the rest. California adds its own state subsidy on top for households up to 200% FPL. Here's where California households typically land for 2027:
| 2027 Household Income | Household of 1 | Household of 4 (about) | What You Typically Get in California |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to ~138% FPL | Up to ~$22,025 | Up to ~$45,540 | Medi-Cal for most adults; children and pregnant people qualify at higher incomes (see below) |
| 138–150% FPL | $22,025–$23,940 | $45,540–$49,500 | The biggest federal credits (benchmark Silver at no more than 4.30% of income), a 94% CSR Silver plan, plus the California state subsidy |
| 150–200% FPL | $23,940–$31,920 | $49,500–$66,000 | Benchmark Silver at 4.30%–6.78% of income, an 87% CSR Silver plan, plus the California state subsidy |
| 200–250% FPL | $31,920–$39,900 | $66,000–$82,500 | Benchmark Silver at 6.78%–8.66% of income, plus a 73% CSR Silver plan ($9,600 self-only out-of-pocket max) |
| 250–400% FPL | $39,900–$63,840 | $82,500–$132,000 | Federal credits taper: benchmark Silver at 8.66%–10.22% of income |
| Over 400% FPL | $63,840+ | $132,000+ | No federal tax credit for 2027 under current law, and the state subsidy stops at 200% FPL — full-price plans, so shopping smart matters most |
Income means your projected 2027 household income, including W-2 wages, 1099 and gig income, and self-employment earnings. It matters more than it used to: at the 400% FPL cliff, $1 over the line ends the federal credit, and starting with tax year 2026 there's no cap on paying back excess advance credits at tax time. The Medi-Cal row uses the 2026 guidelines; Medi-Cal uses the current year's figures, so it will move to the 2027 guidelines once HHS publishes them. Run your numbers in our 2027 ACA subsidy calculator, compare Medicaid income limits by state, or see every band in our ACA income limits guide.
California's state subsidy for 2027: Covered California says Californians with incomes up to 200% of the poverty level in 2027 ($31,920 for an individual or $66,000 for a family of four) will be eligible for state premium help, which the enacted 2026-27 Budget funds at $300 million, up from $190 million. Covered California projects that more than 500,000 people, about 30% of enrollees, will get it, and that nearly 200,000 can choose from two Silver plans with a $0 premium. If your income sits near 200% FPL, call (844) 788-3733 and we'll run it free.
Covered California: The State's Health Insurance Marketplace
California runs a state-based exchange, so Covered California sets its own open enrollment dates, layers a state subsidy on top of the federal credit, and works alongside a state individual mandate. To use the federal credit or the state subsidy on an individual plan, you enroll through Covered California, on your own or with a licensed broker's help. You can reach a Covered California representative at (800) 300-1506 (TTY (888) 889-4500), with help available in multiple languages.
💰 State Premium Subsidy
The California State Subsidy Program sits on top of federal tax credits. Covered California's 2027 eligibility chart shows it for households from 100% to 200% FPL.
📅 Three-Month Enrollment Window
Open enrollment runs November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027, about two weeks past the January 15 close in HealthCare.gov states. Current enrollees could renew or switch starting October 1.
⚖️ State Individual Mandate
Since January 1, 2020, California residents must have qualifying coverage, get an exemption, or pay a penalty on their state tax return, according to the Franchise Tax Board.
🛂 Immigration Status Rules
Starting January 1, 2027, fewer lawfully present immigrants qualify for federal tax credits. Covered California has been sending notices to consumers who may not be eligible for financial help in 2027.
What 2027 prices look like: Covered California announced a preliminary weighted average rate increase of 9.9% for 2027, lower than the prior year's 10.3%. Rates are still subject to final review by California's Department of Managed Health Care, and final rates take effect January 1, 2027. With federal tax credits and the state subsidy, Covered California says 60% of enrollees will see no increase in their monthly premium, and 26% will remain eligible for $0 premiums without changing plans.
Immigrant households: under federal law, starting January 1, 2027, lawful permanent residents, Cuban/Haitian entrants and COFA migrants keep eligibility for premium tax credits, while refugees, asylees, TPS holders and similar statuses lose it. If that describes anyone in your household, call before you assume a plan's price — the math can change completely.
Straight talk: FreedInsure is a private, independent broker — not affiliated with Covered California or the State of California. Enrolling with us costs nothing extra: you get the same plans at the same prices as going direct, plus an advisor who picks up the phone all year.
Medi-Cal: California's Free Coverage for Lower Incomes
California has expanded Medicaid, and its program is Medi-Cal, run by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Covered California's 2027 eligibility chart lists Medi-Cal for adults with income up to 138% FPL, about $1,836 a month for one person. Parents and caretaker relatives have their own, lower Medi-Cal income group, but those above it may still qualify in this adult group up to 138% FPL. You can apply for Medi-Cal any time of year: on Covered California's application, through the DHCS Get Medi-Cal page, or by phone at 800-541-5555.
🧑 Adults
Medi-Cal for adults up to 138% FPL. Medi-Cal uses the current year's poverty guidelines, so the dollar line will shift when the 2027 guidelines are published.
👶 Children (0–18)
Medi-Cal for children up to 266% FPL. In San Mateo, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties, the County Children's Health Initiative Program (CCHIP) covers children above 266% up to 322% FPL.
🤰 Pregnancy
Medi-Cal for pregnant individuals up to 213% FPL. Above that, the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) covers pregnant individuals up to 322% FPL.
👴 Seniors & Disabilities
The 2026-27 Budget reinstates a Medi-Cal asset limit of $21,000 for an individual or $31,000 for a couple, effective no sooner than July 1, 2027.
What changes in Medi-Cal on January 1, 2027
California's enacted 2026-27 Budget confirms new federal work and community engagement requirements for the ACA adult expansion group, effective January 1, 2027. The federal standard is 80 hours a month of work, school, job training or community service, or $580 a month in income, unless an exception applies. Federal law exempts groups such as pregnant and postpartum people, people who are medically frail, and parents or caretakers of children under 14. The Budget projects 43,000 disenrollments from the requirement in 2026-27, rising to 1.1 million by 2029-30. Retroactive coverage also shrinks, effective no sooner than January 1, 2027: from three months to one month for expansion adults, and to two months for other members.
Medi-Cal changes for immigrant Californians
Since January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal has frozen new full-scope enrollment for undocumented adults 19 and older who are not pregnant and who qualified under the state-funded adult expansions. People already enrolled stay covered, no matter their immigration status, if they complete their annual renewal. Under the 2026-27 Budget, members with unsatisfactory immigration status move to fee-for-service Medi-Cal on January 1, 2027; their full-scope dental coverage is now scheduled to end July 1, 2027, while restricted-scope emergency dental continues; and a monthly premium for these adults ages 19–59 is scheduled to start July 1, 2027, set at $50 a month subject to a final decision in the 2027-28 May Revision. Lawfully present immigrants affected by the October 1, 2026 federal eligibility change are scheduled to move to restricted-scope Medi-Cal on July 1, 2027.
Straight talk: Medi-Cal is a government program, not something we sell. If it's your best option, we'll tell you exactly that and point you to the application — no charge, no strings. And if your income sits above the Medi-Cal line, that's where Covered California's federal and state help takes over, and where a broker is most useful.
Income near the line? Households that hover around 138% FPL — seasonal work, gig income, variable hours — can move between Medi-Cal and a Covered California plan from one year to the next. Losing Medi-Cal eligibility is a qualifying life event that opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Don't guess at the boundary; a 10-minute call maps it.
Covered California Plans for 2027: Metal Tiers & Carriers
Covered California plans come from private insurance companies, and carriers vary by region. Covered California says 12 carriers will sell plans for 2027: every Californian has at least two choices, 92% have at least three, and nearly 75% have four or more. Your ZIP code decides your lineup, so we check the 2027 plans in your region against your doctors and prescriptions before recommending anything.
🪨 Bronze
Lowest premiums — sometimes $0 after credits at lower incomes — with the highest deductibles. Under a federal change that began in 2026, bronze plans available through an exchange are treated as HSA-eligible high-deductible plans.
🪙 Silver
The sweet spot for most subsidy-eligible households. Under ~250% FPL (about $39,900 for one person), Cost-Sharing Reductions raise a Silver plan's actuarial value from 70% to 73%, 87% or 94%, depending on income. CSRs come only with Silver.
🥇 Gold
Higher premium, lower out-of-pocket. The smart pick when you know care is coming — a planned procedure, a pregnancy, ongoing prescriptions.
🔹 Add-Ons
Dental & vision, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity plans stack alongside your Covered California plan. See dental & vision →
Every ACA plan for 2027 caps in-network out-of-pocket costs at $12,000 for one person and $24,000 for a family, up from $10,600 and $21,200 in 2026, and all of them cover the same essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions. Beyond Covered California plans, we also help Californians with life insurance, hospital indemnity and supplemental coverage. New to metal tiers? Our ACA marketplace plans guide covers the basics.
Covered California Open Enrollment 2027: Dates & Deadlines
Covered California open enrollment for 2027 runs November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027, a three-month window. Enroll by December 31, 2026 for a plan that starts January 1; enroll in January for a plan that starts February 1. That's later than HealthCare.gov states, which close on January 15, 2027 and need you enrolled by December 15 for a January 1 start. Compare other states in our 2027 open enrollment deadlines by state guide, or start at our Open Enrollment 2027 hub.
🔄 October 1, 2026
Renewals open. Current Covered California enrollees can renew or switch plans now, ahead of open enrollment.
🚀 November 1, 2026
Open enrollment starts for everyone. Re-shop even if you're happy — premiums, networks and help change every year.
⏰ December 31, 2026
Enroll by this date for a plan that starts January 1, 2027 and covers all of 2027.
🔴 January 31, 2027
Last day of open enrollment; January sign-ups start February 1. After that you need a qualifying life event — Medi-Cal accepts applications year-round.
Outside open enrollment, a Special Enrollment Period opens for 60 days after qualifying events: losing job coverage, losing Medi-Cal, a move, marriage, or a new baby. See our Special Enrollment Period guide if January 31 has passed.
Getting free health insurance quotes in California through FreedInsure takes about 15 minutes: (1) we project your 2027 income and estimate your federal credit and state subsidy, (2) we compare the Covered California plans in your region against your doctors and prescriptions, (3) we submit the enrollment and stay on as your advisor all year. Not sure where you land? See if you qualify in California, or call (844) 788-3733.
One honest warning: a $0 premium is not $0 care. Free Bronze plans carry real deductibles, and 2027 out-of-pocket limits climb to $12,000 for one person. If your income is under ~250% FPL, a CSR Silver plan often beats the "free" one by thousands in a bad year. And with preliminary 2027 rates up 9.9% on average, never let a plan auto-renew without a 15-minute re-shop.
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Free Health Insurance California: Frequently Asked Questions
Official Sources for This Guide
- Covered California: Open Enrollment (2027 coverage start dates)
- Covered California: Rates and Plans for 2027 (July 21, 2026)
- Covered California: Program Eligibility by Federal Poverty Level for 2027
- California Department of Finance: Enacted 2026-27 Budget, Health and Human Services
- CA.gov: Apply for Medi-Cal (Department of Health Care Services)
- Franchise Tax Board: Health care mandate
- CMS: States by Marketplace Type for Plan Year 2027
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26: 2027 Applicable Percentage Table
- CMS: 2027 Out-of-Pocket Maximum and Cost-Sharing Reduction Guidance
- HHS ASPE: Federal Poverty Guidelines
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