California is home to what’s generally considered one of the best state-run health exchanges in the country: Covered California. Enrolling is simple. All you need to do is enter your info on their site, and you’re well on your way.
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How to Buy Health Insurance in California
California’s state-run health insurance marketplace, Covered California, makes applying for health insurance a breeze. It’s widely considered the best state-run health insurance marketplace in the country.
How to Apply for Health Insurance in California
All you need to do is enter your personal or family information, and you’ll be able to browse the available plans at the premium you’ll have to pay. In addition, Covered California is so user-friendly that live help is available during business hours. Enter your phone number, and you’ll receive a call back from a licensed insurance agent within fifteen minutes.
Health Insurance Carriers In California
Historically, California residents have had access to 11 different insurance companies on the state-run marketplace:
- Anthem Blue Cross of California
- Blue Shield of California
- Chinese Community Health Plan
- Health Net
- Kaiser Permanente
- LA Care Health Plan
- Molina Healthcare
- Oscar Health Plan of California
- Sharp Health Plan
- Valley Health Plan
- Western Health Advantage
California Health Insurance Costs Overview
As 2023 data is not yet available, we have used statistics from 2022 to reflect costs so you can have an idea of what to expect. Current data shows that 2023 premiums will rise by 4 percent for a 27-year-old for a silver benchmark marketplace plan sold through HealthCare.gov.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in California?
The average benchmark premium in 2022 was $417. (source)
What is the Cheapest Health Insurance Plan in California?
Depending on your health, the cheapest health insurance plan will be the one that covers what you need the most. Contact us to find the best plan for you!
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Cheapest California Health Insurance Coverage by Metal Tier
As 2023 data is not yet available, we have used statistics from 2022 to reflect costs so you can have an idea of what to expect. Current data shows that 2023 premiums will rise by 4 percent for a 27-year-old for a silver benchmark marketplace plan sold through HealthCare.gov.
Note that all costs are 2022 pricing from KFF. (source)
Gold Plans
The average lowest cost premium of a Gold Plan in California in 2022 was $426.
Silver Plans
The average lowest cost premium of a Silver Plan in California in 2022 was $395.
Bronze Plans
For a Bronze plan, the average lowest premium in 2022 was $327.
Other Types of California Health Insurance Coverage
Catastrophic Health Insurance in California
In California, Catastrophic Health Insurance plans are called Minimum Coverage Plans, which are only available to those under 30. Essential services are covered, while all other services are full price at the negotiated in-network price with an out-of-pocket maximum.
Short Term Health Insurance in California
Short-term health insurance is unavailable in California.
Low Income Health Insurance in California
Low-income health insurance is available through California’s Medi-Cal program.
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Sources:
Marketplace Average Benchmark Premiums, KFF, accessed 08/16/2022, https://www.kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/marketplace-average-benchmark-premiums/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D
Average Marketplace Premiums by Metal Tier, 2018-2022, KFF, accessed 08/16/2022, https://www.kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/average-marketplace-premiums-by-metal-tier/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Average%20Lowest-Cost%20Bronze%20Premium__2022%22,%22sort%22:%22desc%22%7D