Real Californians. Real Coverage. Real Stories.

Covered California is California’s official health insurance marketplace, created to help Californians enroll in affordable, high-quality health and dental plans. Through Covered California, individuals and families can compare plans, understand their options and access financial help that makes health insurance more affordable.

In 2025, roughly 92 percent of Covered California enrollees benefited from federal premium tax credits that lowered their monthly premiums. These Enhanced Premium Tax Credits expired on Dec. 31, 2025. Congress may still take action on this issue this year, but nothing is certain.

For many Covered California enrollees, Enhanced Premium Tax Credits were transformative. They allowed people to maintain consistent access to care. Without this financial support, many face difficult choices, even losing insurance altogether. Being uninsured increases the likelihood that people avoid medical attention due to cost, which can negatively affect long-term health and financial security.

Stories From Covered California Enrollees

The stories in this book come directly from Covered California enrollees who have shared what health insurance means in their daily lives and what losing Enhanced Premium Tax Credits would mean for them. These are real Californians from across the state: parents, workers, caregivers, small-business owners and retirees who rely on affordable insurance to stay healthy and financially stable.

Each story is personal, yet they all echo a shared reality: Access to affordable health insurance is essential. It enables people to seek preventative care, manage chronic conditions and address medical needs without fear of overwhelming costs. As health care expenses continue to rise, these stories highlight the real impact of policies that make coverage more affordable. Health insurance is more than a monthly premium; it offers peace of mind and protection against medical debt.

Due to the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, many families across California are seeing significant increases in their monthly premiums. For many, these higher costs strain household budgets and force painful decisions, including the possibility of going without insurance and risking serious financial hardship.

The continuation of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits has contributed to steady growth in enrollment, with a record 1.98 million plan selections for the 2025 open-enrollment cycle, and meaningful reductions in the uninsured rate across California. Sustaining this progress is essential to maintaining coverage gains and strengthening the health and economic stability of our communities.

Meet Clyde S.

Sacramento, CA – Mid 30’s

Clyde is a veterinary medical doctor who works part-time at a federally qualified health center, providing essential care for pets belonging to unhoused individuals of Sacramento. His work reflects a deep commitment to community service and compassion. Clyde has been married to his wife, Loida, for five years, and together they are raising three young children.

In 2013, at only 23 years old, Clyde’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He underwent emergency brain surgery, followed by radiation therapy, and now relies on annual MRIs to monitor his condition. Managing a serious, lifelong health condition at such a young age shaped his understanding of the critical role health insurance plays in both survival and stability.

“Having affordable health insurance is the foundation of understanding and maintaining my health,” Clyde says. “It ensures that I can be there for my family.”

At the start of his health journey, Clyde was covered through employer insurance and later remained insured under his mother’s plan due to his age. When he turned 26 while attending veterinary school, he transitioned to Medi-Cal and maintained that coverage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. During the recent recertification process, Clyde was no longer eligible for Medi-Cal and enrolled in a plan through Covered California. Because of the protections guaranteed by the Affordable Care Act, Clyde was able to secure coverage despite his pre-existing condition, coverage that remains essential to his ongoing care and peace of mind.

“Covered California has helped me lower the cost of diagnostic monitoring,” Clyde explains. “However, if premiums increase, our family will need to make daily sacrifices of time, energy, and finances. That would affect not just our health, but our family relationships and overall well-being. Higher premiums would mean delaying or even refusing doctor visits.”

With three young children, even modest increases in monthly costs carry real consequences.

“Every dollar counts,” Clyde says. “If I have to come up with an extra $50 a month, that’s money I can’t spend on food, basic needs, or services. It’s a direct tradeoff in our quality of life and cost of living.”

For Clyde and his family, affordable coverage is not optional, it is what allows him to stay healthy, continue serving his community, and be present for his children. Extending the enhanced premium tax credits would help ensure families like his can maintain access to care without sacrificing their financial stability or future.

Meet Tessa S.

San Francisco, CA – Mid 50’s

Tessa is originally from France and works as a freelance French and English teacher, helping students of all ages build confidence and fluency in their language skills. Since 2016, she has relied on Covered California for her health insurance coverage.

Tessa lives with multiple health conditions that require close and consistent monitoring. An autoimmune condition necessitates regular blood tests and ongoing medical care, making dependable health coverage essential to her well-being.

“If it weren’t for Covered California, I would certainly not have been able to afford health insurance,” Tessa says. “It feels more dire than ever to have Covered California.”

While annual checkups may be sufficient for younger individuals, Tessa explains that at her stage of life, frequent doctor visits are necessary, and each visit comes with a cost. Covered California has made it possible for her to stay on top of her health, but she is increasingly concerned about the potential for rising premiums.

During a recent call with a Covered California agent to renew her plan for 2026, Tessa learned that the enhanced premium tax credits may expire, which could result in a significant increase in her monthly premium.

“I honestly don’t know what I would do if that happened,” she says. “Having health insurance is not optional for me, it’s essential. I’ve experienced what it’s like to be without coverage, and I know emergencies and unexpected accidents can happen at any time. I never want to be in that vulnerable position again.”

For Tessa, affordable coverage is the difference between stability and uncertainty and a critical safeguard for her health and peace of mind.

Meet Megan H.

Los Angeles, CA – Mid 50’s

Megan is a self-employed therapist who operates her own private practice and founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving underserved and underrepresented communities. She has been insured through Covered California since the very first Affordable Care Act open enrollment, relying on it as a consistent source of coverage throughout different stages of her career.

Over the years, Megan has experienced heart and lung complications that require ongoing medical attention. Through Covered California, she has been able to maintain continuity of care with her trusted providers and access the medical resources she needs. She regularly uses her insurance for preventive services, including mammograms, and because of a family history of cancer, she also sees a dermatologist for routine screenings.

Without insurance, Megan says the cost of care, including injections, diagnostic tests, and imaging, would have been prohibitive.

“If I had to pay for everything out of pocket, there’s no way I would have been able to move forward with all the necessary testing my condition required,” Megan explains. “I spent years building a nonprofit and earning very little income, and the subsidies are what make it possible for me to keep my coverage. I’m now a working therapist earning enough to afford health care, but if prices go up, I honestly don’t know if I could afford insurance. I’d have to seriously consider just paying the penalty for not having it.”

For Megan, affordable coverage has been essential not only to protecting her health, but also to allowing her to serve her community without sacrificing her own well-being.

Meet Tina A.

Inglewood, CA – Mid 40’s

Tina lives in Inglewood, California, where she owns and operates a neighborhood café that serves as a gathering place and safe space for the community. She lives with her husband and their three children, ages 7, 9, and 12.

“Having coverage gives us peace of mind, knowing that medical care is available whenever we need it,” Tina says. “Covered California is truly on your side. Health insurance can seem stressful and overwhelming, but they make it easier and more supportive. You have nothing to lose by checking it out—it’s a great resource that can really help.”

In December 2024, Tina re-enrolled in Covered California after leaving her previous job to focus on growing her small business. Having had a positive experience in the past, she felt confident returning to Covered California for her family’s health coverage.

“I want people in my community to understand that health insurance doesn’t have to be intimidating, even if you think it’s unaffordable or complicated,” she says. “Covered California makes it easier and helps people save time and money while getting the care they need.”

For Tina and her family, affordable coverage is more than insurance, it offers security, support, and the confidence to focus on building a business and strengthening her community.

Meet Dr. Crawford

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA – Early 50’s

Dr. Shalonda Crawford is a psychotherapist in private practice and the mother of three children, ages 17, 18, and 19. She lives with her husband and their family and balances the responsibilities of parenting older teens with the demands of running her own practice. In 2022, after leaving her previous job to transition fully into private practice, Dr. Crawford enrolled in Covered California to secure reliable health coverage for herself and her family.

“I joined Covered California because I needed new coverage and wanted to find a plan that was comparable to what I previously had,” she explains.

Navigating a career change can bring uncertainty, but having dependable health insurance has provided Dr. Crawford with confidence and stability. She emphasizes that coverage has removed hesitation around seeking care, both for herself and her children.

“Having coverage means I no longer hesitate to get the care I need, when I need it,” she says. “Most services are covered, which allows me to stay on top of my health and the same goes for my family.”

For those who may feel unsure or hesitant about enrolling, Dr. Crawford offers simple and direct encouragement.

“To anyone who is uncertain about exploring their health care options, I would ask, ‘What are you afraid of? What do you have to lose?’”

For Dr. Crawford, affordable coverage has made it possible to move forward in her career while ensuring her family’s health remains protected providing peace of mind during a pivotal stage of life.

Meet Zhe W.

El Dorado Hills, CA – Early 60’s

Zhe is a retiree living on a fixed income and currently enrolled in Covered California while he awaits eligibility for Medicare. Like many retirees, managing health care costs is a critical part of maintaining financial stability during this transition period.

“Having subsidized health care through Covered California has helped me a lot,” Zhe says. “Without it, I’d have to pay for Kaiser out of pocket around a thousand dollars a month and that’s just too much. With Covered California, I only pay a little over a hundred dollars for both dental and health coverage.”

For Zhe, the affordability and value of Covered California are clear.

“Getting health care through Covered California is a no-brainer,” he adds. “It’s the best option out there.”

For individuals on fixed incomes, Covered California provides an essential bridge to affordable, comprehensive care ensuring access to health services without overwhelming financial strain.

Meet Rose W.

Contra Costa County – Mid 50’s

Rose is self-employed as a caregiver—someone who spends her days looking after the well-being of others. For Rose, having health coverage through Covered California has been more than a practical choice. It has been life-changing.

Her journey with Covered California began in 2016, at a moment when she needed it most. Rose was coming out of graduate school and facing the need for knee surgery. At the time, she was paying more than $500 a month for COBRA coverage—an expense that felt overwhelming and impossible to sustain. Covered California offered something she hadn’t had before: a real, affordable option for health care.

What mattered most to Rose wasn’t just coverage—it was consistency. With regular preventive care, her doctors were able to detect large, noncancerous fibroid tumors years before they became an emergency. That early discovery gave her something invaluable: time. Time to learn about her diagnosis, time to ask questions, and time to decide what was right for her body and her life.

In December 2025, Rose chose to have a hysterectomy. Because she didn’t have to wait until her condition became urgent or painful, the decision was made thoughtfully and on her own terms. Her recovery was swift—less than a week—and free from the fear and stress that so often come with delayed care.

"Preventive care is everything. No one should have to wait for a health crisis to get answers. With insurance, people can meet with their doctors, understand what’s happening inside their bodies, and make informed decisions with confidence. That peace of mind is priceless.”

Covered California didn’t just help Rose manage medical costs. It helped her protect her health, plan for her future, and continue doing what she loves most—caring for others. To her, health insurance is about more than coverage. It’s about dignity, stability, and the power to take control of one’s health.

Meet Terri L.

Sacramento, CA – Early 60’s

Terri is a self-employed baker, building her life and livelihood with her own hands. She enrolled in Covered California in 2017, and since then, health coverage has played a central role in helping her remain independent and able to continue working.

Terri lives with multiple chronic conditions—health challenges that require consistent, ongoing care. Without reliable insurance, managing them would be impossible. Covered California has allowed her to stay healthy enough to keep moving forward, both in her work and in her daily life.

After undergoing a two-level spinal fusion surgery, Terri was left with permanent nerve damage and severe pain that made walking difficult. Because she had health insurance, she was able to receive the specialized care she needed, including a spinal cord stimulator that significantly reduced her pain. Without access to care, she believes she would be disabled. Instead, she can walk again and live with far greater mobility.

In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, Terri faced additional health challenges. She experienced serious lung issues, including recurring pneumonia and a partial lung collapse. Her coverage allowed her to focus on healing rather than worrying about medical bills. Today, she relies on regular preventive care, blood pressure medication, and monthly inhalers to manage her health and prevent more serious complications.

“As someone who is self-employed, I know how critical it is to have health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions. That access has made all the difference. Covered California has provided me with consistent care, peace of mind, and the ability to continue doing the work I love.”

Recently, Terri’s monthly premium increased from $255 to $555—a difficult change that has strained her budget. Still, she chose not to move to a lower-cost plan, knowing it would mean losing coverage essential to managing her conditions. For Terri, comprehensive care is not optional—it is necessary.

“Health insurance isn’t only for emergencies. It is about staying well, preserving independence, and protecting quality of life. Covered California has helped me do exactly that.”

Meet Corina B.

Los Angeles, CA – Mid 30’s

Corina is a freelance voice actor, a career she loves but one that comes with unpredictable schedules and fluctuating income. Traditional employer-based health insurance has never been an option. Covered California filled that gap, making it possible for Corina to receive consistent care—not just care during emergencies.

Corina was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of sixteen. For her, going without health insurance has never been a choice. She enrolled in Covered California because it was the only affordable option available, and she believes it saved her life. In just the past year, Corina was hospitalized more than a dozen times. Without health coverage, she says, she would not be alive today.

Her insurance allows her to manage a serious chronic illness through regular checkups, specialist visits, and hospital care. It also makes preventive care possible—care that is essential to her health and safety. Colon cancer runs in her family, and Crohn’s disease increases her risk, making annual screenings a necessity rather than a luxury. Without insurance, that kind of ongoing, preventive care would be out of reach.

“I have seen firsthand how small, manageable health issues can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. Insurance, she believes, gives people the chance to catch problems early—before they become catastrophic, both medically and financially.”

This year, Corina’s premiums increased. While the increase was less than she feared, it still created a financial strain for her and her husband. Even so, the cost remains far lower than the alternative: paying out-of-pocket for care or going without it altogether. Covered California has kept coverage within reach for them when few other options exist.

“Too many people wait until a crisis to think about health care. That approach is risky and unnecessary. Health insurance isn’t just about coverage—it’s about time, stability, and peace of mind. Covered California allowed me to keep working, keep living my life, and keep managing a serious illness. And for anyone on the fence, my message is simple: don’t wait for an emergency to decide health care matters. Preventive care can truly save your life.”

More Stories

“Many people delay retirement because they aren’t yet eligible for Medicare. For those without earned income, Covered California offers an affordable and reliable solution. There’s no need to worry.” (Hua G. from)

“Covered California saved my life. I have a pre-existing condition, and thanks to Covered California, I was able to get health insurance and the surgery I needed to survive. Every time I think about it, I’m so grateful. Keep doing what you’re doing, you are saving lives!” (Robert Chung from)

“I need to have the coverage that I have. I really like [my plan] and I really like my doctors, and I have to be able to keep that, especially because I have a pre-existing condition. There isn’t going to be something else cheaper for us [than our plan through Covered California]. We fall into an income bracket where we’re not [receiving free care], but money is not no object.” (Amanda from Los Angeles County)

“Health insurance was definitely the #1 thing that made it hard to decide whether or not I wanted to be self-employed. Knowing it existed out there where I could research everything in one place was really helpful. Otherwise, it felt very daunting to try to look up what these coverage plans are across so many different options in California. Having health insurance is important to me because you never know what’s going to happen” (Kara from Yolo County)

“[Leaving ESI coverage] was one of the biggest risk categories in starting our business in knowing that we’re on our own with health insurance. I have a disease I can’t get rid of, a pre-existing condition I can’t cure myself of. You don’t usually get healthier as you get older. So, it added to the risk profile significantly. The subsidies are significant.” (Tom from Santa Clara County)

“I’m just happy, I’m grateful. Without [health insurance] I could be looking at huge, huge, huge medical bills. There’s just peace of mind that if you have a really bad year maybe you’re going to pay 7 or 8 thousand dollars but you’re not going to pay 700 or 800 thousand dollars!” (Melanie from Orange County)

“[Financial help through Covered California] has helped a lot. It’s actually been able to help continue in having a policy. I don’t know if I could afford to pay the regular premium. I’d probably end up going without health insurance for myself.” (Takeomi from Los Angeles)

“If [the subsidy] went away it would be a huge disappointment. You have to have health coverage. If I were to get sick and be hospitalized, then there goes everything if I didn’t have health coverage.” (Tim from Riverside County)

“I was panicking [about the cost of health insurance], I don’t make a lot of money... I figured I would qualify for subsidized plan, I didn’t realize it would be basically the entire premium.” (James from Siskiyou County)

“[My coverage though Covered California] is working out great because of the financial assistance... The plan that I'm on would be $600 per month. I feel with the plan that I have, I'm pretty covered. I pay $5 per prescription for most prescriptions, and I'm paying $15-$30 for my doctor’s visits per month, so that's pretty good.” (Tina from Humboldt County)

“I experienced a sudden medical emergency that nearly caused me to bleed out. That crisis ultimately led to a diagnosis of stage four cancer, a life-altering moment that underscored the importance of having reliable health coverage. Having health care saved my life. I was able to access the full range of care I needed, including radiation, chemotherapy, medications, and other essential treatments. Coverage allowed me to focus on survival and recovery, rather than worrying about whether he could afford care. There are so many variables in life, when it comes to your health, having coverage is worth the peace of mind.” (Andrew from San Diego)