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How to Apply for Covered California

Updated

Follow our step-by-step guide to apply for Covered California health insurance. Learn what documents you need and how to complete the application.

Application Overview

The Covered California application process determines your eligibility for health insurance coverage and financial assistance. Here's what you need to know before you begin:

How Long Does It Take?

  • About 30 minutes online with all documents ready, and you can save your progress and finish later
  • About an hour in person

Who Can Apply?

  • California residents
  • U.S. citizens or lawfully present
  • Not incarcerated

Financial Assistance Available

Subsidies that lower monthly premiums depend on your income: federal premium help is for incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. During the application, you'll find out if you're eligible for:

  • Premium Tax Credits: Reduce monthly costs
  • Cost-Sharing Reductions: Lower deductibles and copays
  • Medi-Cal: Free or low-cost coverage
  • California Premium Subsidy: Extra state help that lowers the premium for some households

Pro Tip: A family of four earning under $132,000 (400% FPL) can qualify for federal premium help for 2027 coverage.

Documents You'll Need

Having these documents ready before you start will make the application process much faster:

  • Social Security Number for each household member applying
  • Birth dates for all household members
  • Current address and county of residence
  • Email address and phone number

Your information is secure and used only to determine eligibility and enrollment.

Provide documentation for ALL household income sources:

Employed Individuals:

  • Recent pay stubs (last 2-3)
  • W-2 forms from last year
  • Employer contact information

Self-Employed:

  • Previous year's tax return
  • Current year profit/loss statement
  • 1099 forms

Other Income:

  • Social Security statements
  • Pension/retirement income
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Rental property income

Investment Income:

  • Interest and dividend statements
  • Capital gains documentation
  • Brokerage account statements

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need:

  • Immigration document number (Document Type, I-94 number, passport number, etc.)
  • Green Card or other legal status documentation
  • DACA status documentation (if applicable)

Note: Lawfully present immigrants can enroll in Covered California plans. DACA recipients are no longer eligible since August 31, 2025 (federal changes), and from January 1, 2027 many lawfully present immigrants without a green card lose federal financial help (what changes).

If you or a household member has access to employer-sponsored health insurance:

  • Employer name and contact information
  • Cost of employer coverage for employee-only plan
  • Cost of family coverage (if applicable)
  • Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) document

Don't Have All Your Documents?

No problem! Our licensed agents can help you:

  • Estimate income if you don't have exact figures
  • Determine which documents are most important
  • Complete your application and submit missing documents later
  • Navigate complex situations like self-employment or multiple income sources
Get Free Help from an Agent

2 Ways to Enroll in Covered California

Choose the enrollment method that works best for you - with expert help or on your own:

Method 1: With a Licensed Agent (Recommended)

Most Popular

Get personalized help from a licensed insurance agent at no cost to you.

Benefits:

  • One-on-one help: An agent goes through the application with you
  • Expert guidance: Navigate complex situations
  • Plan comparison: Find the best plan for your needs
  • Maximize savings: Ensure you get all available subsidies
  • Ongoing support: Help throughout the year
  • 100% free: No fees or charges ever

How It Works:

  1. Click "Start Application" below
  2. Agent gathers your information
  3. Review plan options together
  4. Enroll in your chosen plan
  5. Receive confirmation instantly
Start With an Agent

Method 2: Apply Online Yourself

Fast & Easy

Complete your application independently through our secure online enrollment portal. Simple, straightforward, and available 24/7.

Benefits:

  • Available 24/7: Apply anytime, from anywhere
  • Self-paced: Take as much time as you need
  • Complete privacy: Apply on your own schedule
  • Save & return: Resume later if needed
  • Secure: Encrypted data protection
  • Instant results: See your subsidy eligibility immediately

Perfect For:

  • Tech-comfortable applicants
  • Simple household situations
  • Single or straightforward income
  • Have all documents ready
  • Prefer doing things yourself
Apply Online Now

Which Method Should You Choose?

Your Situation Best Method
Want someone to go through the application with you With an Agent
Self-employed or multiple income sources With an Agent
Need help comparing plans and maximizing savings With an Agent
Complex household or questions about eligibility With an Agent
Simple situation with all documents ready Online Yourself
Prefer to apply on your own schedule (24/7 access) Online Yourself
Comfortable with online forms and tech Online Yourself
Want complete privacy while applying Online Yourself

Remember: Both methods are completely free and will get you enrolled in the same plans at the same prices. Choose whichever feels most comfortable for you!

Ready to Apply for Covered California?

Licensed agents help you complete your application, totally free! Get personalized plan recommendations, maximize your savings, and enroll.

  • 100% free assistance
  • Expert guidance on plan selection
  • Maximize your subsidies
  • Ongoing support all year
Start Your Application

Open enrollment ends January 31, 2027