Covered California Income Limits for 2027

For 2027, your household income plays an important role in determining whether you may qualify for Medi-Cal, a Covered California health plan, and financial help that can lower your monthly health insurance premium.

This guide explains the 2027 Covered California income limits, how the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) works, and what different income ranges may mean for your health coverage.

Quick answer: For 2027 coverage, California is providing state premium assistance to eligible Covered California consumers with household incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Federal premium tax credits may also be available to eligible households between 100% and 400% FPL. Eligibility depends on more than income alone, so these figures should be used as a general guide.

For a broader overview of available plans, costs, financial help and enrollment, see our complete guide to Covered California health insurance.

2027 Covered California Income Limits

Covered California compares your expected annual household income with the Federal Poverty Level for your household size. The table below shows several important income thresholds for 2027 coverage.

These figures are based on the Federal Poverty Level amounts applicable to 2027 coverage. Eligibility rules can vary by program and individual circumstances.

What Does the Federal Poverty Level Mean?

The Federal Poverty Level is an income measurement used to determine eligibility for a variety of health coverage programs and financial assistance.

Your FPL percentage depends on both your household income and household size. For example, an annual household income of $31,920 for one person is 200% FPL for 2027 coverage, while the 200% FPL amount for a family of four is $66,000.

Covered California uses your household size and expected annual income to help determine which programs and financial assistance you may qualify for.

What Income Qualifies for Covered California?

There is not one single income limit for purchasing health insurance through Covered California. Instead, income can affect which program you qualify for and whether financial help is available.

In general, lower-income Californians may qualify for Medi-Cal, while people with higher incomes may qualify for a Covered California health plan. Depending on income and other eligibility requirements, financial assistance may be available to help reduce the cost of coverage.

If you're unsure which earnings should be included in your application, read our guide to what counts as income for Covered California.

Covered California vs. Medi-Cal Income

For many California adults, approximately 138% FPL is an important Medi-Cal eligibility threshold. However, Medi-Cal eligibility rules vary based on factors such as age, pregnancy, household circumstances and other program requirements.

If your income is above the applicable Medi-Cal limit, you may instead qualify for a health plan through Covered California, potentially with financial assistance.

Because the two programs are connected through California's health coverage application process, members of the same household can sometimes qualify for different programs.

For a more detailed explanation, see Covered California vs. Medi-Cal: Income, Eligibility and Coverage.

Financial Help Through Covered California in 2027

There are different forms of financial assistance that may reduce the cost of health insurance through Covered California.

Federal Premium Tax Credits

Eligible consumers with household incomes generally between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for a federal premium tax credit that lowers the cost of their monthly health insurance premium.

California State Premium Assistance

For 2027, California expanded its state subsidy program. Eligible Californians with household incomes up to 200% FPL may qualify for additional state financial assistance to help lower monthly premiums.

Enhanced Silver Plans

Eligible consumers with incomes at or below 250% FPL may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions through Enhanced Silver plans. These can reduce out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays and coinsurance.

Learn more in our guide to Covered California subsidies and financial help.

What If My Income Changes During the Year?

Covered California financial assistance is based on the income you expect your household to earn during the coverage year. If your income changes, it is important to update your Covered California account.

An increase or decrease in income can change the amount of financial assistance you qualify for and, in some cases, may affect whether someone in your household qualifies for Covered California or Medi-Cal.

Starting with the 2026 tax year, federal changes also mean that consumers who receive more advance financial help than they ultimately qualify for may have to repay the full excess amount when filing their federal tax return. Keeping income information current is therefore especially important.

What If I'm Self-Employed?

Self-employed Californians can apply for health insurance and financial assistance through Covered California. Because self-employment income may fluctuate throughout the year, estimating annual household income can be more complicated.

If you own a business, work as an independent contractor or receive 1099 income, see our guide to Covered California for self-employed Californians.

When Can I Enroll in Covered California?

Most consumers enroll or change plans during the annual Open Enrollment period.

Outside Open Enrollment, certain life changes may allow you to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period. Examples can include losing other health coverage, getting married, having a baby or moving to California.

See our guides to Covered California Open Enrollment and Covered California Special Enrollment for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for Covered California in 2027?

There is no single maximum income for purchasing a Covered California plan. Income limits are primarily used to determine eligibility for Medi-Cal and different forms of financial assistance. For 2027, eligible Californians with incomes up to 200% FPL may qualify for California state premium assistance, while federal premium tax credits may generally be available to eligible households between 100% and 400% FPL.

Can I get Covered California if I make too much money for a subsidy?

Yes. If you meet Covered California's eligibility requirements, you can generally purchase a plan even if your income is too high to qualify for financial assistance. In that situation, you would pay the full premium.

Does Covered California use gross income?

Covered California eligibility and financial assistance are generally based on expected household income using Modified Adjusted Gross Income rules, rather than simply looking at the gross amount on a paycheck. Different types of income are treated differently.

See what counts as income for Covered California for a more detailed explanation.

What happens if I underestimate my income?

If you receive more advance premium tax credit than you ultimately qualify for based on your final annual income, you may have to repay excess financial assistance when you file your federal tax return. Updating income changes with Covered California can help reduce the risk of a large repayment.

Can members of the same family have Medi-Cal and Covered California?

Yes. Different members of the same household can qualify for different programs. For example, children may qualify for Medi-Cal while their parents qualify for a Covered California plan.

Need Help Understanding Your Covered California Eligibility?

Income eligibility can become complicated when household size changes, income fluctuates, someone is self-employed, or family members qualify for different programs.

California Benefits Insurance Center can help you understand your health insurance options and navigate the Covered California enrollment process.

Call 800-341-1165 or email health@californiainsurancecenter.com for assistance.

This article is for general informational purposes and does not guarantee eligibility for Covered California, Medi-Cal or financial assistance. Eligibility is determined based on the information provided on your application and applicable program rules.