Ready. Set. Covered. What Ventura County Should Know About 2027 Health Coverage
By 99Three FM, KJBU-LP 99.3 FM · Exclusively brought to you by Covered California
Health insurance can feel like one more bill to worry about. This year, Covered California wants Ventura County families to know that help is available, and the next open enrollment period starts Nov. 1.
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2027. Enroll by Dec. 31 for coverage starting Jan. 1. Enroll in January for coverage starting Feb. 1. Current members can review their options, renew, or switch plans through Covered California.
You Shouldn’t Have to Settle
Every Covered California health plan includes coverage for preventive services, such as routine checkups, recommended vaccines, and screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Many recommended preventive services are covered without additional out-of-pocket costs when applicable coverage requirements are met.
Plans are offered by familiar insurance companies, including Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, and Blue Shield of California. The insurers and plans available to you depend on where you live.
And you don’t have to figure out the cost alone. Covered California reports that four out of five people who enroll receive financial assistance to help lower the cost of coverage. The amount of help available depends on individual circumstances.
What’s New for 2027?
Covered California announced a preliminary statewide average health insurance rate increase of 9.9% for 2027, compared with a preliminary national median increase of 14%.
For Ventura County residents, there’s an important local detail: the preliminary average rate increase for the region that includes Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties is 11.6%. These are regional averages, not predictions of what any particular person will pay.
Despite rising premiums, many enrollees are expected to receive financial assistance that helps limit increases in their monthly costs. According to Covered California:
60% of enrollees are projected to see no increase in their monthly premium.
26% of enrollees are projected to remain eligible for a $0 monthly premium without changing plans.
Californians earning up to $31,920 a year individually, or $66,000 a year for a family of four, may qualify for California state assistance to help lower their monthly premiums.
Eligibility and savings vary by household and plan. Comparing available options is especially important for 2027.
Covered California also reports that 12 insurance companies will offer health plans across the state, with at least two insurer choices available in every service area. Actual choices vary by county.
Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman emphasized the value people place on coverage, saying, “It’s clear that once people get access to health insurance, they want to keep it.”
One Application, Two Programs
You don’t need to know in advance whether you qualify for Covered California or Medi-Cal. One application covers both programs.
When you apply, Covered California checks your information to help determine which program you may qualify for and whether financial assistance is available.
Get a Quote and Explore Your Options
You can compare plans, estimate costs, and check whether you qualify for financial assistance online.
Free help is available:
Online: CoveredCA.com
By phone: (800) 300-1506, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
TTY: (888) 889-4500
Visit CoveredCA.com to compare available plans and explore your options for 2027.
Tune In to 99.3 FM
This season, 99Three FM is bringing Covered California to our airwaves. Watch for a live listener call-in, where you can bring your questions.
We’ll also host a series of live conversations with Covered California Chief Medical Officer Dr. Monica Soni through January. Dates will be announced on air and on our website.
Getting covered is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the people who count on you.
Ready. Set. Covered.
