How Much Is Health Insurance in California for One Person? (2026)
For a single adult, the sticker price of a Covered California plan matters far less than the subsidy your income qualifies for, and 2026 changed those rules.
There is no single price. A single adult's Covered California premium depends on age, where you live (19 pricing regions), the metal tier you choose and, most of all, your income, which sets your subsidy. Rates rose an average of 10.3% for 2026, and the enhanced federal subsidies expired, so anyone over 400% of the poverty level now pays full price. Low-income adults may qualify for Medi-Cal at no or low cost.
What sets your premium
- Age. Premiums rise with age; by federal rules a 64-year-old can be charged up to three times what a 21-year-old pays for the same plan.
- Region. California has 19 rating regions, and the same plan can cost very different amounts in, say, Los Angeles and the Sierra foothills.
- Metal tier. Bronze has the lowest premium and highest deductibles; Silver is the benchmark for subsidies; Gold and Platinum cost more each month but less when you use care.
- Income. Your household income, compared with the federal poverty level (FPL), decides how much federal and state help you get.
Tobacco use does not raise Covered California premiums.
What changed in 2026
Covered California announced a weighted average rate increase of 10.3% for 2026. At the same time, the enhanced federal premium tax credits that had been in place since 2021 expired on December 31, 2025. That brings back the old rules:
- The 400% cliff is back. A single adult earning more than 400% of the poverty level gets no federal premium tax credit, so they pay the full premium.
- Below the cliff, credits are smaller than in 2021–2025, so most subsidized enrollees pay more of their premium.
California's own help
California set aside $190 million for 2026 state premium subsidies. For people earning up to 150% of the poverty level ($23,475 a year for one person for 2026 coverage), monthly premiums are kept comparable to 2025 levels, with some added help up to 165%. California also funds Enhanced Silver plans with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for many lower-income enrollees.
Medi-Cal for lower incomes
Adults 19–64 with income up to 138% of the poverty level, about $22,025 a year for one person, generally qualify for Medi-Cal instead of Covered California, with no premium. You can apply any time of year.
How to get your real price
- Estimate your subsidy with our Covered California subsidy calculator.
- Use Covered California's "Shop and Compare" tool with your ZIP code, age and income to see actual plans and net prices.
- Compare Bronze and Silver: if your income qualifies for Enhanced Silver, it often beats Bronze on total cost.
When you can enroll
Open enrollment for Covered California runs each fall into January. Outside that window you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving or having a baby. Medi-Cal enrollment is open year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is health insurance in California for one person?
It depends on age, region, metal tier and income. With subsidies, lower-income adults can pay little or nothing, while a single adult earning over 400% of the federal poverty level pays the full premium in 2026 because the enhanced federal credits expired.
Did Covered California premiums go up in 2026?
Yes. Covered California announced a weighted average rate increase of 10.3% for 2026, and the expiration of the enhanced federal premium tax credits raised what many enrollees pay after subsidies.
What is the income limit for Covered California subsidies in 2026?
Federal premium tax credits are available up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Above that, there is no federal subsidy in 2026. California also provides state help for enrollees up to about 165% of the poverty level.
Can a single adult get free health insurance in California?
Yes, if their income is low enough for Medi-Cal, generally up to 138% of the federal poverty level for adults 19 to 64. Medi-Cal has no monthly premium for most enrollees.
When can I sign up for Covered California?
During open enrollment each fall and winter, or at any time within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing job-based coverage or moving. Medi-Cal accepts applications year-round.
This article is for general information only. Your actual premium and subsidy are determined by Covered California or your county Medi-Cal office from your application.