Open Enrollment for Individual Family Plans (IFP) Starts November 1st.
Review your notices from your Health Insurance Company and see if you are ok with just letting your current plan renew or do you want to look at alternative options. Please reach out to schedule an appointment with Pam Morton to discuss it if needed.
What do you need to know if you are enrolled in Covered California about open enrollment for 2026?
If you enrolled in health insurance through Covered California, you should be receiving a notice in the mail or by email soon if you have not gotten it already.
As of 10/26/2025, the enhanced subsidies are still in limbo, pending action from Congress on whether they will be continued into 2026.
Important Information
If you are enrolled in a
Silver 73 plan, that is a cost reduction plan only available through Covered California. If you will not qualify for financial assistance in 2026, that plan will no longer be available to you. People who fall into this category will be automatically enrolled in another plan with less rich benefits and a much higher monthly premium unless you take steps to change your plan.
The Open Enrollment Period is November 1 through January 30th. If you make enrollment changes before December 31st, the effective date will be January 1st. You can still enroll or make changes up to January 30, 2026, but the effective date will be February 1st.
What is in your Covered California Renewal Notice?
- Changes in your monthly premium
- Updates to your deductible or copays
- Whether you’ll be automatically renewed in your current plan
- Estimated subsidy amounts based on your latest income information
It's your preview of what’s ahead for the next plan year — from a subsidies, rates and benefits perspective. If you have not received your notice, you can call Covered California or go online to review your account.
The phone number for Covered California member customer service is (800) 300-1506. The service center is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. For TTY users, the number is (888) 889-4500.
.How do I read it?
Your notice will explain:
- Whether your current plan is being offered again
- What your new premium and out-of-pocket costs will be
- Whether your premium tax credits are changing (based on income)
- Your current plan will be renewed automatically if it is still available in 2026.
What should I look for?
Check the following:
- Will your monthly premium change significantly?
- Are your doctors and prescriptions still covered?
- Are your income and household details up to date?
- Are you in the right metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)?
Even if your plan will auto-renew, it’s important to update your income. Outdated income information could lead to incorrect subsidy amounts, which could affect your tax refund or tax bill.
Final Tip
Your Marketplace renewal notice is your heads-up to make sure your plan still fits your life and your budget. Use it as your cue to compare options and update your information — especially if your income, household size, or health needs have changed.
If you do nothing, you may be re-enrolled automatically — but that doesn’t mean it’s still your best option.
If you need help understanding your options, we are always here to help!
Give us a call or send us an email, and we will ensure we find the right solutions for you. Let’s make sure you head into 2026 with the right coverage and peace of mind.
Benefits by Design Insurance Services
www.benefitsbydesignca.com
Pam Morton, Agency Owner and Broker
admin@benefitsbydesignca.com
760-696-3573
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