Open enrollment for health insurance through Covered California is open until January 31, with Congressmember Salud Carbajal and Dana Gamble of County Public Health emphasizing the affordability of plans as low as $10 a month for some income groups. During their discussion, Carbajal highlighted that only eight percent of Americans are uninsured for healthcare coverage, the lowest rate in U.S. history.

Carbajal also shared that he helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which extended subsidies to lower premiums for middle-class and working-class families, allowing four out of five Americans to find a plan for $10 a month or less. Enrollment in the Affordable Care Act is open from November 1 to January 31, but those already enrolled must renew by December 15 to maintain uninterrupted coverage. Failure to do so results in an income tax fee based on family size. For example, an individual making $2,500 a month who misses the deadline can expect to pay a $700 fee next year.

It’s important to note that missing the sign-up period also means individuals will have to wait until October 2024 to sign up again for Covered California. For more information in English and Spanish, individuals can visit the Covered California website or call (800) 300-0213.