Individual & Family Health

Covered California and Off-Exchange Health Plans

A couple sits at a table reviewing covered California health plans for the next year.

Open enrollment for 2027 coverage starts November 1, 2026. We help you compare your options, check for financial help, and enroll, at no extra cost to you.

Speak with a Licensed Agent to learn about your options.

What is Covered California?

Covered CA is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. It’s the only place where you can qualify for federal premium tax credits and California’s state subsidies, and every plan is standardized so you can compare apples to apples.

Financial Help

Premium Subsidies

Depending on income and household size, you may qualify for lower monthly premiums and extra savings on deductibles and copays.

Standardized

Metal Tiers

Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Minimum Coverage plans. Same benefits within each tier, so price and network drive your choice.

Protected

Guaranteed Coverage

No one can be denied or charged more for pre-existing conditions.

On-exchange vs. off-exchange

Off-exchange plans are sold directly by insurance companies and through licensed agents like us, not through the Covered CA marketplace. Many carriers sell the same plans in both places, but the rules differ. We are a Covered California Certified Insurance Agency and can help you enroll both ways.


On - Exchange

Covered CA is the state’s marketplace, and it’s the only place you can get premium tax credits and California’s state subsidies if you qualify. Plans are standardized ACA plans, so every plan in a metal tier offers the same benefits and you compare on price, doctors, and network. You can enroll during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event, and only the carriers participating in the exchange are offered. It’s the best fit for anyone who may qualify for financial help.


Off - Exchange

Off-exchange plans are bought directly from the carrier or through a licensed agent, and they don’t qualify for premium tax credits or state subsidies. They are ACA-compliant plans, and some carriers may also offer carrier-specific options. ACA-compliant plans follow the same enrollment rules as Covered California, and the choice can include carriers that don’t sell on the exchange in your area. They’re best for higher earners who don’t qualify for subsidies, or anyone who wants a specific carrier or network.

A woman sits at a table reviewing Covered California enrollment dates for health insurance.
  • Nov 1, 2026 Open enrollment begins

  • Dec 31, 2026 Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1, 2027

  • Jan 31, 2027 Open enrollment ends

Key enrollment dates for 2027

Missed the Window?

You may still enroll mid-year with a Special Enrollment Period after a qualifying life event, such as losing job-based coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby. Events typically give you a 60-day window, so call us as soon as something changes.

Insurance options we can help with

ACA Compliant

Individual & Family Plans

Essential health benefits purchased either on the exchange or off-exchange. We help you see if you qualify for subsidies.

Add On

Dental & Vision

Stand-alone plans that supplement your medical coverage. We make sure you’re covered.

Supplemental

Accident, critical illness & hospital indemnity

Cash benefits that can help with out-of-pocket costs. These are not a substitute for major medical coverage.

Good to know: Subsidy eligibility is based on your estimated income, so it’s worth checking before choosing off-exchange. We’ll run the numbers both ways so you can see the real monthly cost.

How Kidwell Insurance helps

  • Compare Covered California and off-exchange plans side by side

  • Check your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions against each plan’s network and formulary

  • Estimate your subsidy and total yearly cost, not just the premium

  • Complete your enrollment and answer questions after you’re covered

  • Review your options each year as your income, health, or family changes

Our help doesn’t add to your premium. Plan prices are the same whether or not you use an agent.

A couple reviews Covered California subsidies and health plans with Kidwell Insurance.

Common Questions

Talk to a licensed agent

Get a no-obligation quote and find out what you qualify for and we will help enroll you into a plan.

Kidwell Insurance · CA License # 4570754. Kidwell Insurance is a licensed insurance agency and is not Covered California or a government agency. Plan availability, premiums, subsidies, and dates can change; confirm current details with us or at coveredca.com. This page is for general information and is not tax or legal advice.