California health insurance plans
How individual and family health coverage works in California, in plain language.
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.
ACA Open Enrollment is open now
Open enrollment is on, and deadlines vary, so don't wait. Call and we'll help you find the right California plan.
Where California residents shop
California residents who buy their own coverage shop on Covered California at www.coveredca.com. That is also where income-based help with monthly premiums (premium tax credits) is applied. California runs its own marketplace, so it has its own enrollment dates and rules.
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.
Enrolling
Open enrollment dates are set by the marketplace and can change from year to year, so confirm this year’s window on the marketplace site before you plan around it. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
What affects the plans you see
- Where you live. Plans and premiums are set by area within California, so your county matters. Find your county.
- Income and household size. These determine help with premiums and whether you may qualify for Medicaid instead.
- Plan level. Metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) trade a lower monthly premium against higher costs when you use care.
California Medicaid, called Medi-Cal, is administered by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) -- DHCS is the right place to start if your Medi-Cal eligibility changed.
California runs its own ACA marketplace, Covered California, instead of the federal HealthCare.gov site -- California-specific enrollment windows and plan options are managed there directly.
Free Medicare counseling is available in California through HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program), California's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, at 800-434-0222, separate from California Health Insurance's own free phone help.
Questions
Where do I shop for ACA health plans in California?
California residents shop through Covered California (https://www.coveredca.com). An independent agent such as Lander LLC can explain the plans for you, but the marketplace is the only place premium tax credits are applied.
How do I apply for Medicaid in California?
Medicaid in California is run through California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) (https://www.dhcs.ca.gov). Eligibility depends on income, household size and other factors, and it is decided by the state, not by an insurance agency.
Who regulates insurance in California?
California Department of Insurance (CDI) (https://www.insurance.ca.gov) regulates insurance companies and agents in California. You can use it to check that an agent or company is licensed and to file a complaint.
Is there free, unbiased Medicare help in California?
Yes. California HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) (800-434-0222) offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), separate from any insurance agency.
Does California Health Insurance cost anything to use?
There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent. Insurance premiums and plan costs are set by the insurance companies and are separate from our help.
Questions about California health plans? 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 timeReviewed 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.