Why California doesn't sell short-term health plans
California's ban (SB 910) makes Covered California (the state ACA marketplace) the only path to individual health coverage for most CA residents. Open enrollment runs Nov 1 - Jan 31; Special Enrollment is triggered by qualifying life events (job loss, marriage, move, birth). Medi-Cal (Medicaid) is available year-round for income-qualifying residents.
If you're between jobs, missed open enrollment, or aged off a parent's plan in California, the federal short-term plans that work in 35+ other states aren't a legal option here. The good news: California has stronger alternative pathways than most non-STLDI markets, including state-specific subsidies that aren't available federally.
Your real options in California
Four legitimate paths cover almost every California gap-coverage situation:
- ACA marketplace — Open Enrollment Nov 1 - Jan 15, plus Special Enrollment Periods triggered by job loss, marriage, divorce, birth, move, or loss of other coverage. Premium Tax Credits are now expanded through 2025 and most enrollees pay materially less than sticker price.
- Medicaid — income-based coverage to 138% FPL in expansion states, year-round enrollment. Apply through your state agency directly, not through HealthCare.gov.
- COBRA continuation — 18-36 months of your former employer's group plan at full unsubsidized cost (~$700-$2,000/mo for individual coverage). Election window is 60 days from qualifying event.
- Spouse or domestic partner's plan — qualifying life event opens a 30-60 day Special Enrollment window on their employer plan.
When COBRA is the right answer
COBRA continues exactly the coverage you had through your former employer — same network, same deductible status, same prescription coverage. It's expensive (you pay the full employer + employee premium plus a 2% admin fee) but it's the only option that preserves mid-year deductible/out-of-pocket progress and lets you keep ongoing specialist relationships intact.
In California, COBRA election runs 60 days from your qualifying event. You can retroactively elect coverage back to your loss-of-coverage date — useful if you have a medical event in the gap window. Premiums are typically $700-$2,000/month for individual coverage and $1,500-$2,500/month for family.
When ACA marketplace is the right answer
For most California residents losing job-based coverage, ACA is materially cheaper than COBRA once Premium Tax Credits are applied. Loss of other coverage triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period — you don't need to wait for November.
Income matters enormously. Households earning under 250% FPL also get cost-sharing reductions (lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums) — making silver-tier plans cheaper net than bronze. Above 400% FPL, the American Rescue Plan / IRA expansion kept tax credits available through 2025; check your specific income before assuming you don't qualify.
When Medicaid is the right answer
If your California household income is under 138% of Federal Poverty Level (~$20,800 individual, $43,000 family of four for 2026) and California expanded Medicaid, you likely qualify for full-coverage Medicaid at $0 premium. There's no enrollment window — apply anytime through California's Medicaid agency directly.
Children almost always qualify for CHIP or Medicaid at materially higher income thresholds (up to 300%+ FPL in most states). Pregnant women qualify under expanded rules even in non-Medicaid-expansion states. Don't skip the application even if you think you earn too much for the adult expansion.