Covered California 2027 Premiums: Rates, Dates & Options
Covered California 2027 Premiums: What’s Changing and How to Shop Before You Renew
By Elevated Health, Direct Primary Care
Last reviewed: November 2026
If you’re shopping for health insurance in California, your 2027 premiums could look different from what you’re paying today.
Covered California premiums are increasing an average of 9.9% for 2027, according to the state’s preliminary rate announcement. That follows a 10.3% average increase for 2026. Compounded, those increases amount to approximately 21% over two years before financial assistance.
But that doesn’t mean everyone will pay 21% more. Your actual premium depends on your location, insurance carrier, plan, and eligibility for financial help.
Covered California open enrollment for 2027 runs from November 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. Before allowing your current plan to automatically renew, it’s worth comparing your options.
This guide explains what’s changing in Orange County, San Diego County, and Northern California, what to check before renewing your coverage, and how some patients combine health insurance with a Direct Primary Care membership to manage everyday healthcare costs.
Key Takeaways: Covered California 2027
- Premiums are increasing: The preliminary statewide average increase is 9.9%, following a 10.3% increase in 2026.
- Rates vary by region: Orange County faces a 10.4% average increase, San Diego County 13.1%, and the Northern California rating region that includes Shasta County 10.1%.
- Your actual cost may be different: Covered California estimates that approximately 60% of enrollees will see no monthly premium increase after financial assistance.
- Compare before renewing: Shopping for another plan within your current metal tier could help reduce costs, depending on your region and coverage needs.
Important 2027 Open Enrollment Dates
| Date | What It Means |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open enrollment begins |
| December 31, 2026 | Deadline to enroll for coverage starting January 1, 2027 |
| January 1, 2027 | New coverage begins for those who enrolled by December 31 |
| January 31, 2027 | Open enrollment ends |
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Source: Covered California Open Enrollment.
Looking beyond your insurance premium? Monthly premiums are only one part of your healthcare costs. Deductibles, office visits, prescriptions, and access to a primary care doctor also matter. Some Californians combine health insurance with a Direct Primary Care membership to make routine primary care costs more predictable. We’ll explain how that works below.
How Much Are Covered California Premiums Increasing in 2027?
The statewide preliminary weighted average increase for Covered California premiums is 9.9% in 2027.
California’s proposed increase is below the preliminary national median of approximately 14% cited in Covered California’s announcement, but two consecutive years of increases can still affect household budgets.
The actual change depends on where you live, which insurance company you use, and whether you qualify for financial assistance.
2027 Covered California Rate Increases by Region
| Region | Average 2027 Rate Change | Average Change If Switching to Lowest-Cost Plan in Same Metal Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | +9.9% | -0.2% |
| Orange County (Huntington Beach, Irvine) | +10.4% | -2.3% |
| San Diego County (Oceanside) | +13.1% | +2.8% |
| Northern California Region 1, including Shasta County (Redding) | +10.1% | +7.2% |
Source: Covered California’s July 21, 2026 rate announcement. Figures are preliminary averages before financial assistance and subject to final regulatory review. The switching column represents estimated average changes, not guaranteed individual savings.
For example, Orange County residents could see an average 10.4% rate increase if they remain with their current plans. However, Covered California estimates that consumers switching to the lowest-cost plan within their existing metal tier could see premiums decrease by an average of 2.3%.
That doesn’t mean switching is automatically the best choice. A lower premium could come with different deductibles, provider networks, or prescription coverage.
2027 Rate Changes by Insurance Carrier
Insurance companies are also proposing different rate increases.
| Insurance Carrier | Average 2027 Rate Change |
|---|---|
| Anthem Blue Cross | +13.0% |
| Blue Shield of California | +12.5% |
| Health Net | +13.2% |
| Kaiser Permanente | +6.7% |
Source: Covered California’s 2027 individual-market rate announcement. Carrier averages are statewide and do not represent every plan.
The difference between carriers is another reason to compare your options rather than assuming your existing plan remains the most affordable.
Will My Covered California Premium Go Up in 2027?
Not necessarily. The announced 9.9% increase is an average rate change before financial assistance. It is not the amount every Covered California enrollee will pay.
According to Covered California:
- Approximately 60% of enrollees are expected to see no monthly premium increase after financial assistance.
- Around 26% are expected to remain eligible for a $0 premium plan without switching.
- California’s expanded state subsidy program will provide additional assistance to eligible households.
For 2027, the state’s subsidy program extends financial assistance to eligible Californians earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. That’s approximately $31,920 annually for an individual or $66,000 for a family of four.
The enhanced federal premium tax credits that previously helped lower marketplace premiums expired at the end of 2025. California’s additional state funding helps offset some of the impact, but it does not fully replace the expired federal assistance.
The most reliable way to determine your actual 2027 premium is to update your income and household information at CoveredCA.com and compare the plans available to you.
Should You Auto-Renew Your Covered California Plan?
Automatic renewal is convenient, but it may not be the best financial choice for everyone.
Your existing plan’s price, provider network, or benefits may change from year to year. Before renewing your coverage for 2027, take a few minutes to review these six things.
Your 2027 Open Enrollment Checklist
- Compare your available plans. Your current plan’s premium may have changed, and another plan may offer similar coverage at a different price.
- Update your income and household details. Changes in income or family size can affect eligibility for financial assistance.
- Review the lowest-cost plan in your metal tier. In Orange County, switching to the lowest-cost plan within the same tier could lower premiums by an average of 2.3%, according to Covered California.
- Check your doctors and prescriptions. Confirm that your preferred healthcare providers and medications are covered under any plan you’re considering.
- Consider your total healthcare costs. Look beyond monthly premiums and compare deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket maximums, and access to routine primary care.
- Mark the enrollment deadlines. Enroll by December 31 for January 1 coverage. Open enrollment closes January 31, 2027.
Important Change for Orange County Molina Members
Molina Healthcare is leaving the Covered California marketplace in Orange County for 2027.
If you’re currently enrolled in a Molina plan in Huntington Beach or Irvine, you’ll need to select another available plan or be transitioned to the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier under Covered California’s renewal process.
Review your available options to make sure the replacement plan meets your healthcare needs.
If you’re unsure which insurance plan to choose, a Covered California certified enroller or licensed insurance agent can help you compare your options at no cost.
What Does a Bronze Health Insurance Plan Cover, and Where Are the Gaps?
Bronze plans generally have the lowest monthly premiums among the standard metal tiers but higher deductibles and greater potential out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.
Like other Affordable Care Act marketplace plans, Bronze plans cover essential health benefits, including hospitalization, emergency services, prescription drugs, and preventive services.
Certain preventive services are covered without cost-sharing when applicable requirements are met. Other services may require copayments, coinsurance, or payment toward your deductible.
The trade-off becomes important when considering everyday healthcare expenses.
Depending on the plan, routine office visits, diagnostic labs, medications, and other services may result in additional out-of-pocket costs.
For example, someone who rarely visits a doctor might prioritize a lower monthly premium. Someone who expects frequent appointments, ongoing prescriptions, or specialist care may find that a plan with a higher premium but lower cost-sharing offers better overall value.
Before choosing a Bronze plan, review its Summary of Benefits and Coverage, including how primary care visits, laboratory tests, prescriptions, and specialist appointments are handled.
For some patients, this is where Direct Primary Care can complement their insurance.
What Is Direct Primary Care?
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare membership model in which patients pay a flat monthly fee for ongoing primary care services and direct access to their doctor, rather than relying on traditional insurance billing for each covered primary care visit.
Many DPC practices maintain smaller patient panels, allowing physicians to offer longer appointments and more direct communication.
At Elevated Health, membership includes:
- Unlimited office visits and telehealth
- Same-day or next-day appointments
- Direct text and email access to your doctor
- Annual wellness, sports, and school physicals
- Treatment for acute illnesses and minor injuries
- Basic in-office procedures
- Access to wholesale-priced medications
Labs and imaging are available at discounted rates but are not included in the monthly membership fee.
For patients who value convenient appointments and ongoing access to a primary care physician, DPC offers an alternative way to receive everyday medical care.
Can You Combine a Bronze Health Insurance Plan With Direct Primary Care?
Yes. A Direct Primary Care membership can be used alongside a Bronze health insurance plan or another type of health coverage.
The two serve different purposes.
Your insurance plan provides coverage for eligible medical expenses according to its benefits, network, deductibles, and other cost-sharing requirements. Your DPC membership provides access to covered primary care services through your membership practice.
How Health Insurance and DPC Work Together
| Your Health Insurance Plan | Your DPC Membership |
|---|---|
| Hospital stays | Everyday sick visits |
| Surgery | Annual physicals and checkups |
| Emergency room care | Chronic condition follow-ups |
| Specialist services | Direct communication with your doctor |
| Advanced imaging and major medical tests | Same-day or next-day primary care appointments |
Insurance benefits remain subject to the specific plan’s coverage terms. DPC services depend on the membership agreement.
Think of it as two complementary layers of healthcare.
Your insurance helps protect you from major, unpredictable medical expenses. Your DPC membership provides access to ongoing primary care at a fixed monthly membership cost.
For some patients, this combination makes routine care more convenient and its costs more predictable.
However, a DPC membership is not health insurance. It does not cover hospital stays, emergency care, surgery, or specialist services, and it does not satisfy any applicable health insurance coverage requirement.
Elevated Health recommends maintaining appropriate health insurance coverage alongside your membership.
When This Combination May Not Be the Right Fit
A Bronze plan paired with DPC isn’t the best solution for everyone.
If you’re expecting a planned surgery, pregnancy, frequent specialist appointments, or expensive brand-name medications, a health insurance plan with lower deductibles or different cost-sharing may be more appropriate, even if its monthly premium is higher.
Compare your expected healthcare needs and total costs before selecting a metal tier.
A Covered California certified enroller or licensed insurance agent can help with insurance decisions. Elevated Health can answer questions about its membership services, but does not provide insurance advice.
How Much Does an Elevated Health Membership Cost?
Elevated Health offers age-based monthly membership pricing for patients who want direct access to primary care.
| Age | Monthly Membership |
|---|---|
| 0 to 19 (must enroll with an adult) | $30 |
| 20 to 45 | $85 |
| 46 to 64 | $105 |
| 65+ | $125 |
A one-time enrollment fee of $75 per person applies, capped at $150 for families enrolling together. Members who pay annually receive an 8% discount.
For complete membership details, visit our membership pricing page.
Looking for More Predictable Primary Care Costs?
Health insurance is important, but it’s only one part of your healthcare budget.
At Elevated Health, members receive ongoing primary care with unlimited visits, direct communication with their physician, and a predictable monthly membership fee.
Learn how a Direct Primary Care membership could work alongside your existing health coverage.
Explore Membership Pricing Schedule an Office Tour
Primary Care in Huntington Beach, Irvine, Oceanside, and Redding
Elevated Health provides Direct Primary Care at four California locations, serving communities across Orange County, San Diego County, and Northern California.
Huntington Beach, Orange County
Orange County’s average proposed Covered California rate increase for 2027 is 10.4%.
Elevated Health Huntington Beach provides primary care with Dr. Paul McKinley, DO, and Dr. Christopher Dan, DO, who joined the practice in October 2026.
Dr. Dan is board-certified in family medicine and focuses on metabolic health, including weight management and nutrition-based care. He sees adult patients and provides acute visits for children ages six and older.
Address: 18800 Delaware St, Suite 800, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-916-5210
Irvine, Orange County
Elevated Health Irvine serves patients seeking membership-based primary care in Orange County.
The location is led by Dr. Matthew Abinante, DO, MPH, founder of Elevated Health.
Address: 19722 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 110, Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 669-2299
Oceanside, San Diego County
San Diego County faces an average proposed premium increase of 13.1% for 2027.
Elevated Health Oceanside provides primary care under Dr. Beth Barrera, MD, who is board-certified in family medicine and preventive medicine.
Address: 2125 S El Camino Real, Suite 200, Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: 760-650-1750
Redding, Northern California
The Northern California rating region that includes Shasta County has an average proposed premium increase of 10.1% for 2027.
Elevated Health Redding provides membership-based primary care with Dr. Richard A. Martinez.
Address: 2701 Old Eureka Way, Suite GA, Redding, CA 96001
Phone: 530-430-2058
If you’re reviewing your healthcare options during open enrollment, you’re welcome to tour one of our offices and learn how Elevated Health membership works.
For insurance plan selection, visit CoveredCA.com or speak with a licensed insurance agent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Covered California 2027
When is Covered California open enrollment for 2027?
Covered California open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. Enroll by December 31, 2026, for coverage beginning January 1, 2027. Enrollment during January generally provides coverage beginning February 1.
How much are Covered California premiums increasing in 2027?
The preliminary statewide average increase is 9.9%. Regional averages include 10.4% in Orange County, 13.1% in San Diego County, and 10.1% in the Northern California rating region that includes Shasta County. Actual premium changes depend on your plan and eligibility for financial assistance.
Will everyone pay more for Covered California insurance in 2027?
No. Covered California estimates that approximately 60% of enrollees will see no monthly premium increase after financial assistance. Individual costs depend on income, household size, location, and plan selection.
Should I automatically renew my Covered California plan?
Automatic renewal may be convenient, but comparing available plans is recommended. Your premium, provider network, and benefits may change. Another plan could offer better value depending on your healthcare needs.
Is Direct Primary Care the same as health insurance?
No. Direct Primary Care is a membership model covering specified primary care services for a flat monthly fee. It does not replace health insurance or provide comprehensive coverage for hospitalization, surgery, emergency care, or specialists.
Can I use a Direct Primary Care membership with a Bronze plan?
Yes. Patients can combine a Bronze insurance plan with a Direct Primary Care membership. Insurance provides coverage for eligible medical expenses, while DPC offers ongoing access to primary care services included in the membership.
What does a Bronze plan not cover well?
Bronze plans generally have higher deductibles and cost-sharing than higher metal tiers. Although they cover essential health benefits, patients may pay more out of pocket for certain visits, laboratory tests, prescriptions, and other services. Check the specific plan’s Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
Who can help me choose a Covered California plan?
Covered California certified enrollers and licensed insurance agents can help you compare plans and determine eligibility for financial assistance at no cost. You can also compare available plans at CoveredCA.com.
Sources and Important Information
Primary sources:
- Covered California: 2027 Rates and Plans Announcement, July 21, 2026
- Covered California: Open Enrollment
- Covered California Official Marketplace
This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute insurance, tax, or legal advice. For assistance selecting health insurance, consult a licensed insurance agent or Covered California certified enroller.
An Elevated Health membership is not health insurance and does not replace comprehensive medical coverage. Rate figures are preliminary averages from Covered California’s 2027 announcement and may differ from individual premiums.