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Health Insurance is Available in California
At Freeway Insurance, we believe everyone should have access to good healthcare. That’s why we offer free help to individuals and families applying for health coverage through Covered California. Our bilingual agents can walk you through available plans, explain the costs, and help with enrollment.
Explore our California health insurance options or call 877-423-1508 to speak with a Freeway agent.
Health Insurance Key Takeaways
- Affordable coverage may be available. Depending on your income and eligibility, financial assistance may lower your monthly premium. Some people may qualify for a plan with a $0 monthly premium.
- The monthly premium isn’t the only cost. Deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums, provider networks, and prescription benefits all affect what a plan could cost you.
- Your choices depend on where you live. Available plans, insurers, rates, and provider networks can vary by state and ZIP code.
- Enrollment periods matter. Most people sign up during annual Open Enrollment, although certain life changes may qualify them for a Special Enrollment Period.
- You don’t have to compare plans alone. Freeway’s licensed agents can help you review coverage and costs based on your healthcare needs and budget.
Why You Need Health Coverage
Getting sick or injured can be stressful enough without having to worry about how you’ll pay for care. Health insurance can help with covered medical expenses, from regular doctor visits and prescriptions to hospital stays and unexpected treatment. It can also make it easier to keep up with preventive care and build a relationship with doctors who know your medical history.
There are several practical reasons to consider coverage for yourself and your family:
- When your doctors and specialists are in your plan’s network, you may be able to keep seeing the same providers over time. That continuity can be especially helpful when you manage an ongoing condition or need regular appointments.
- Routine checkups, screenings, and vaccinations can help you stay on top of your health. Your plan may cover some preventive services without additional out-of-pocket costs when you use an in-network provider, depending on the service and plan rules.
- If you have children, pediatric preventive care matters, too. Marketplace plans include pediatric dental benefits among their essential health benefits, although how plans provide those benefits and what you pay can vary.
If you don’t get health insurance through work, you can explore coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, known as Covered California in California. Depending on your income and eligibility, you may qualify for financial assistance, including free health insurance options such as Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in California, or Marketplace plans with a $0 monthly premium.
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace helps individuals and families compare and enroll in health insurance that meets Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) standards. California has its own Marketplace, Covered California, while many other states use HealthCare.gov.
Covered California offers Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans. These tiers describe how you and the insurer generally share covered costs, not the quality of medical care. Marketplace plans cover essential health benefits such as emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and preventive care. Insurers also can’t deny you ACA-compliant Marketplace coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment
Most people enroll in Marketplace coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period. In California, Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026, and ends January 31, 2027. To have coverage for all of 2027, you generally need to enroll by December 31, 2026. Outside Open Enrollment, events such as losing other qualifying coverage, getting married, or having a baby may make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
How Much Does Marketplace Health Cost?
The cost of health insurance depends on the plan you choose, where you live, your age, and who needs coverage. When comparing plans, look at both the monthly premium and what you might pay when you actually use care. A plan with a lower premium may have a higher deductible, larger copays, or more limited provider networks.
Financial assistance can make a real difference in what you pay. Depending on your income and household circumstances, you may qualify for federal premium tax credits that lower your monthly bill or for additional help with out-of-pocket costs. For 2027, California has also expanded its state premium subsidy program for eligible households with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Some eligible Californians can choose a Silver plan with a $0 monthly premium, although deductibles, copays, and other costs may still apply.
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Are There Different Types of Health Plans?
Yes. Plans can differ in which doctors and hospitals you can use, whether you need a referral to see a specialist, and how they handle out-of-network care. When you compare types of health insurance you may come across these common structures:
Can I Find Affordable Health Coverage?
Affordable coverage may be available through Covered California, a job-based plan, or a public program such as Medi-Cal. If you qualify for financial assistance, you may pay a lower monthly Marketplace premium, sometimes $0. Keep in mind that a $0 premium doesn’t mean every appointment, prescription, or treatment will be free.
The best way to find out what you qualify for is to submit accurate household and income information through the official application. Freeway’s bilingual agents can help you review the available options and understand the costs at no charge. Call us at 866-951-0476 to find out for free if you are eligible.
What is the Penalty for Not Having a Health Policy?
There has been no federal tax penalty for going without health insurance since 2019. California is different: Residents generally must have qualifying coverage, meet the requirements for an exemption, or pay a state penalty when they file taxes.
How Much is the Penalty for Not Having a Health Plan in California?
California residents who go without qualifying health insurance may face a state tax penalty unless they qualify for an exemption. The amount depends on household income, family size, and how many months they were uninsured.
For tax year 2025, the California Franchise Tax Board lists a flat penalty of $950 per uninsured adult and $475 per dependent child. That means a family with two adults and two children could owe at least $2,850 for a full year without coverage, depending on their income and exemptions.
California also uses an income-based calculation of 2.5% of household income above the applicable tax filing threshold. The higher calculation generally applies, subject to the state’s penalty limits. Since these amounts can change annually, you can use the state’s penalty estimator to review your potential costs.
Affordable Health Care for You and Your Family
Shopping for your own health insurance or dental coverage can feel complicated, especially if you’re comparing different networks, prescription benefits, and out-of-pocket costs. Freeway can help you understand the options available through Covered California and whether Medi-Cal may be an option for your family.
Our assistance is free. Tell us which doctors you want to keep, what medications you take, and what you’re comfortable spending, and we’ll help you compare the plans available to you.
Find Low-Cost Options for Accidents, Critical Illness and Cancer
A serious illness or accident can affect more than your medical bills. You might also have transportation expenses, household costs, or time away from work. Freeway partners with Aflac to offer supplemental accident, critical illness, and cancer insurance options, depending on product availability.
These policies may pay cash benefits after specific covered events, according to the policy terms. You may be able to use those benefits toward eligible expenses, but amounts, exclusions, waiting periods, and payment conditions vary. Supplemental insurance isn’t a substitute for comprehensive medical coverage, and a diagnosis or hospital stay doesn’t automatically qualify you for a payment.
Ask your agent to explain the particular policy’s benefits and exclusions before you enroll.
Having a Health Plan Makes Sense
Having health insurance gives you a way to plan for both everyday care and the medical needs you can’t predict. Preventive visits and regular prescriptions may be easier to manage, while coverage for eligible hospital treatment or surgery can help limit how much you pay yourself. The details still matter: Every plan has its own covered services, network rules, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits.
Freeway can help you compare plans, check for financial assistance, and understand the next steps for enrollment. You’ll have a clearer picture of your options before choosing coverage for yourself or your family.
- Enroll through Covered California during Open or Special Enrollment if you are eligible
- Compare plans
- Explore any free or low-cost programs for which you may qualify
- Get a clear picture of what premiums you’ll pay and what benefits you’ll receive before you enroll
- Apply for financial assistance from the federal government to help pay for the costs of your medical care and coverage
- Avoid costly penalties
- Get outstanding service all year round: before, during, and after the enrollment period, we’re here to help!
Get Free Health Insurance Quotes Today
Ready to compare health insurance plans? Get a free quote online, call Freeway Insurance at 800-777-5620, or speak with an agent at a nearby office. For help enrolling through Covered California, call 877-423-1508. We’ll help you review the available choices and find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance
How Do I Find Affordable Health Insurance?
Start with the plans available where you live and compare more than the monthly premium. Check the deductible, copays, coinsurance, provider network, prescription coverage, and out-of-pocket maximum so you can estimate what you might pay during the year. You may also qualify for financial assistance through the Marketplace. A licensed Freeway agent can help you look at your options.
Can I Qualify for a $0 Monthly Premium Health Plan?
Possibly. Some eligible consumers can get a Marketplace plan with a $0 monthly premium after financial assistance. It depends on factors such as household income, household size, location, and current program rules. Even with a $0 premium, you may still pay deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and other costs when you receive care.
What Should I Compare When Choosing Health Insurance?
Think about how you expect to use your coverage. A person who regularly visits specialists or takes prescription medication may care more about network access and drug benefits than someone who rarely needs medical care. Compare premiums and out-of-pocket costs, then check that your preferred doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are included in the specific plan.
What Is the Difference Between a Health Insurance Premium and a Deductible?
Your premium is what you pay to keep the plan active, usually every month. Your deductible is the amount you may need to pay for certain covered services before the plan starts sharing those costs. Your plan may cover some care, including certain preventive services, before you meet the deductible. Copays and coinsurance can still apply according to the plan.
When Can I Enroll in Health Insurance?
Most people apply for individual or family Marketplace coverage during Open Enrollment. Certain changes, such as losing other qualifying coverage or having a baby, may make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Eligible people can generally apply for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) year-round.
Can Freeway Help Me Compare Health Insurance Options?
Yes. Freeway’s licensed agents can explain available plans and help you compare premiums, deductibles, provider networks, prescription coverage, and other benefits. The service is free, and your available choices depend on your location and eligibility.