Covered California hits record enrollment numbers, but hopes for more by December 31st

Insured California has reached record enrollment levels, but still hopes to reach uninsured or underinsured people across the state.

The cost-sharing health insurance program has surpassed 1.8 million participants and is already reaching a record number of enrollees ahead of the first open enrollment period on December 31st.

With 68,095 registrations, almost half of the new registrations came from the four counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.

143,686 Californians signed up for 2025 coverage as of Dec. 14, a 3% increase from the same period last year, the health insurance marketplace said. An additional 1,647,162 Californians have renewed their insurance coverage so far, a 4% increase over the same period last year.

“We have a record 1.8 million Californians already signed up for coverage in 2025, but history tells us that next week will be the busiest for new sign-ups,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California , in a statement.

“We want to make sure every uninsured Californian understands that the largest financial assistance ever offered through the Affordable Care Act is available here in California in 2025.”

Covered California has reduced out-of-pocket health care costs by building on existing federal subsidies to fund health insurance premiums and completely eliminating deductibles in all three Silver cost-sharing reduction plans.

However, data suggests that nearly 1.3 million Californians who are either eligible for subsidies through Covered California or eligible for Medi-Cal insurance are uninsured.

Consumers can learn more about their options by visiting CoveredCA.com. There they can easily find out if they qualify for financial assistance and see insurance options in their area. Those interested in learning more about their insurance options can also call (800) 300-1506.

Californians who go without health insurance face a tax penalty from the state Franchise Tax Board. The penalty for not having year-round coverage is a minimum of $900 per adult and $450 per dependent child under 18 years of age in the household.

Open registration ends January 31st.