ACA Health Insurance > Break Down > Health Insurance in California
Health Insurance California | Your Friendly Guide to Affordable Coverage
From Los Angeles to San Francisco—We’ve Got California Covered.
Hey there, California neighbor! Thinking about health insurance but feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to switch to a better plan, this easy, friendly guide will walk you through what health insurance looks like in California. We’ll keep things clear, simple, and free from all that confusing insurance-speak.
Why Should You Buy Health Insurance in California?
Let’s face it—unexpected medical bills can hit hard, especially in California, where the cost of living is already high. Health insurance helps protect your wallet and your health when life throws surprises your way.
Here’s why it’s important in the Golden State:
Roughly 7% of Californians under 65 are still uninsured, despite having their own state-based marketplace (Covered California).
Healthcare costs in California—especially for ER visits and specialty care—are higher than in many other states.
ACA plans cover preventive care like annual checkups, vaccinations, and screenings at no cost.
Even if you’re young and healthy now, having a health plan ensures you catch small issues early—before they turn into big ones. It’s protection you can count on.
Types of Health Insurance Available in California
Marketplace Plans (Covered California)
California operates its own state marketplace, Covered California, which lets you compare plans and get subsidies if you qualify.
Short-Term Insurance
Limited in California, but still an option in specific situations for short periods. Be aware: California has stricter rules about short-term plans.
Medicare
Available to those 65+ or with certain disabilities. Covers hospital, outpatient, and prescription care. You can also add supplemental coverage.
Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)
Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost coverage to people with qualifying income or disabilities. It covers everything from doctor visits to hospital stays and mental health services.
Private Insurance
Many Californians get private health insurance through their jobs or buy it directly from insurance companies.
Compare plans based on price and benefits with us.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in California?
Your costs depend on your age, income, family size, and where you live. Thanks to Covered California, most residents qualify for premium tax credits that lower their monthly premiums.
Many people pay $0/month after applying subsidies. Others find plans under $50/month depending on income. Even if you think you won’t qualify for savings—it’s worth checking.
For those on Medicare, costs depend on whether you stick with Original Medicare, switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or add supplemental coverage.
💡 This is a great spot for a cost calculator to help users see their estimated savings.
How to Pick the Right Health Plan for You
To pick the best plan, consider:
How often you visit the doctor
Your current medications
Your favorite doctors or clinics
Your monthly and yearly budget
Some people prefer lower premiums and higher deductibles, while others want more predictable out-of-pocket costs.
Not sure what’s right for you? Our California-based agents can walk you through all your options, compare plans, and help you choose the best one for your needs—without the stress.
Our Health Insurance Services in California
Navigating health insurance in California can feel overwhelming—but that’s where we come in. Our licensed pros are ready to make the process easy, clear, and pressure-free.
Who We Help
We support:
Young adults leaving their parents’ plans
Self-employed Californians looking for flexible options
Seniors navigating Medicare choices
Families seeking affordable plans with full coverage
Anyone tired of confusing forms and fine print
What We Offer
We assist with:
Covered California plans and private insurance
Medicare and Medi-Cal enrollment
Dual-eligible programs
Dental and vision coverage
Short-term and supplemental plans
And yes, we offer support in Spanish!
How to Get Started
Compare plans.
Chat with an agent (optional).
Enroll online or by phone.
Done and done—you’re covered.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in California
California residents have access to some of the best—and most affordable—ACA plans. Here are three popular carriers offering great value:
Kaiser Permanente – Known for affordable premiums and excellent integrated care, especially in major metro areas.
Blue Shield of California – A strong network with competitive Bronze and Silver plan options.
Health Net – Great for those wanting budget-friendly plans with telehealth services included.
We’ll help you compare plans across all providers to make sure you get the right fit for your budget and healthcare needs.
Top 3 Most Uninsured Cities in California
Despite progress, some cities still see higher rates of uninsured residents:
Bakersfield, CA – High rates of uninsured agricultural workers and part-time employees.
Stockton, CA – Economic challenges contribute to lower insurance enrollment.
Fresno, CA – Many residents, especially younger adults and immigrants, remain uninsured.
No matter where you live in California, we’re here to help you get covered—and stay covered.
Final Tip from Your Friendly Guide
In California, not having health insurance can cost you twice—once in medical bills, and again at tax time. Let’s avoid both.
Reach out today to compare plans, ask questions, or get personalized help. We’ll make sure you feel confident in your coverage—without the headaches.
Just a heads-up! We looked at our own data to figure out the average health insurance prices as of January 2025. These numbers are just meant to give you an idea—your actual quote might be different depending on your personal situation.
Also, our lawyers want us to remind you: this info is general and doesn’t change what’s actually written in your real insurance policy, which can be different depending on where you live. It’s always a good idea to chat with your own trusted advisor if you have specific questions.
This post is just here to help you get helpful info and tips—not to replace real advice. Plus, if we mention anything from other people or companies, just know that’s their opinion, not ours. And remember, not all plans or discounts are available everywhere!