Federal Changes to Your Health Insurance
Some federal rule changes may affect how much you pay and what steps you need to take to enroll. This page explains what we know right now and what you can do to stay covered. Covered California will update this page as things change.
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What’s changing?
Federal decisions may affect health insurance costs, enrollment timelines and eligibility in 2026 and future years. This information (including effective dates) may change based on future court decisions.
What You Can Do
Our team can help you understand your options and what these federal changes mean for you. You may also be able to save by switching to a more affordable plan.
Medi-Cal Eligibility and Benefits
Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2026
The federal government has made changes that affect eligibility and benefits. Most Medi-Cal members won’t see any changes. Visit Medi-Cal’s website for more information about the changes and if you may be affected.
Financial Help for Immigrants
Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2027
Only certain immigrant groups, like lawful permanent residents (green card holders), will be eligible for financial help to help pay for their insurance. Visit eligibility information for immigrants for details on which groups qualify.
Reporting Your Income
Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2027
Your financial help is based on the income you report on your application. If that information isn’t accurate, you may get more help than you qualify for. Beginning with the 2026 tax year (filed in 2027), people who get too much financial help may need to pay back the full amount they owe. It will no longer be capped based on income.
Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2028
You’ll need to prove that you qualify for financial help before you get it. Financial help won’t be applied while your information is being reviewed or updated.
If you don’t confirm or update your information, you won’t be automatically re-enrolled with financial help for the next plan year.
Health Savings Account
Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2026
Bronze plans and the minimum coverage (catastrophic) plan through Covered California now count as high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) that let you contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Gender-Affirming Care
While federal rules around gender-affirming care under the Affordable Care Act have changed, California law requires all Covered California plans to continue covering these services
We’re here to help
Our team can answer your questions about your insurance, costs and enrollment.
More Resources
Get help with your health, dental and vision insurance and read more about federal health insurance changes.
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