Kern County, California: health insurance
What Kern County residents should know about Medicare, marketplace plans and Medicaid.
Medicaid is a government program that gives free or low-cost health coverage to people with limited income, such as some adults, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Each state runs its own Medicaid program and decides who qualifies. We are an independent insurance agency, and we cannot enroll you in Medicaid or check your Medicaid.
California Medicaid: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) · 1-800-541-5555 (Medi-Cal (Department of Health Care Services)) · dhcs.ca.gov
If your income is too high for Medicaid, or you want to compare health plans, call us. We can help with that.
Kern County at a glance
| State | California |
|---|---|
| Population (2023 est.) | 913,820 |
| Population rank in California | 11 of 58 |
| Land area | 8,135 square miles |
| Major cities | Bakersfield |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (Population Estimates 2023; Gazetteer 2023).
Medicare plans leaving Kern County for 2027
11 Medicare plans from 6 companies are listed in Kern County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 1,995 people enrolled in the plans below today.
- SilverScript Choice (PDP) (S5601-064, Aetna (CVS Health))
- HealthSpring Assurance Rx (PDP) (S5617-158, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
- HealthSpring Extra Rx (PDP) (S5617-382, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| Central Health Classic Care Plan I (HMO) H5649-027 | Molina Healthcare | 759 |
| Central Health Embrace Care Plan (HMO C-SNP) H5649-025 | Molina Healthcare | 556 |
| Central Health Embrace Choice Plan (HMO C-SNP) H5649-026 | Molina Healthcare | 229 |
| Central Health Dual Access Plan (HMO D-SNP) H5649-024 | Molina Healthcare | 145 |
| Humana Gold Plus H5619-148 (HMO) H5619-148 | Humana | 145 |
| Anthem Kidney Care (PPO C-SNP) H8552-028 | Anthem (Elevance Health) | 136 |
| Central Health Valor Care Plan (HMO) H5649-030 | Molina Healthcare | 25 |
| Champion Select (HMO-POS C-SNP) H6170-003 | Champion Health Plans-USA, LLC. | 10 or fewer |
See which companies have plans leaving across California: California Medicare plans ending for 2027 →
A plan can be listed because it was renumbered or replaced, not only because a company is leaving the county. When the same company keeps other plans there, members are usually moved to a replacement plan. Your plan should send you a notice, and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can compare and switch. “People enrolled” is the number enrolled in that plan today (CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer). Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2026 and 2027, and CMS enrollment data from September 2026.
Is your plan on this list? Call 855-367-1095 and we will look at what is available where you live, with no obligation to enroll.
Why your county matters for coverage
In California, the health plans you can choose depend on where you live. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are offered by service area, usually county by county, and marketplace premiums and carriers are set by area as well. Living in Kern County means the options on this page apply to you, and plans in a neighboring county may differ.
- Medicare: California HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) gives free, unbiased counseling at 800-434-0222. Ask which plans serve Kern County specifically.
- Marketplace plans: shop through Covered California; enter your Kern County ZIP code to see what is offered.
- Medicaid: apply through California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
California note: California health plans are regulated by two different state agencies depending on plan type -- the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) oversees most Covered California health plans, while the Department of Insurance (CDI) regulates the rest, including most life and supplemental products.
Questions about Kern County
Are the same Medicare plans offered everywhere in California?
No. Plans are offered by service area. A plan available in one county may not be offered in Kern County, so check by county.
Where do Kern County residents get free Medicare counseling?
California HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) (800-434-0222) is California's free SHIP program.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. Calling is a conversation about your options, and you are never required to enroll.
Kern County residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095 Open 8 AM-10 PM Eastern timeOther large counties
- Los Angeles County
- San Diego County
- Orange County
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
- Santa Clara County
Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.