Coverage Basics
When you apply, you can get covered in one of two ways — through Covered California or Medi-Cal. Start here to understand your health insurance options and where to go next.
Start With the Basics
One Place to Compare Plans and Get Financial Help
Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace. It's the only place to get financial help that lowers what you pay for insurance. Most people who apply qualify for savings.
How Covered California and Medi-Cal Work Together
When you apply for insurance, we'll check to see if you’re eligible for Medi-Cal or for financial help to lower the cost of a health plan through Covered California. Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health insurance for people with lower incomes. What you qualify for depends mainly on your income and household size. Learn more about Medi-Cal.
If you don’t want to apply for financial help, you can still buy a Covered California health plan at full price.
Compare Plans and Prices in Your Area
See available plans, monthly premiums, doctors and estimated savings — then start an application when you're ready.
Understanding Health Plans
Health plans have three main parts. Knowing them makes it easier to compare options.
A plan's coverage level sets the balance between your monthly premium and what you pay when you get care.
- Lower premium = higher cost when you need care
- Higher premium = lower cost when you need care
Take the Next Step
Ready to move forward? Here are the most common next steps for people exploring health insurance through Covered California.