Do I have to shop through Covered California?

Live in California? California runs its own health insurance marketplace, Covered California, so that's where you'll land if you shop for a marketplace plan. But you don't have to use it. Here's how to decide.

Do I have to shop through Covered California?

Not necessarily, but the platform will route you to the state-based marketplace for your convenience.

Any individual health plan qualifies for your ICHRA benefit, whether you buy it through Covered California or directly from an insurance company. What matters is that it's an individual health plan that covers you for the months you want reimbursed.

The Shop page in your benefits portal takes California residents to Covered California to browse plans. Need help choosing?

You can book time with a licensed expert from the Shopping page in the platform.

When Covered California is the right choice

• You want to compare lots of plans side by side. Covered California lists the individual plans sold in your area.
• You plan to opt out of your ICHRA benefit to get a premium tax credit. Covered California is the only place to get one, and you can't use your benefits allowance and a tax credit for the same month. See Can I participate in the StretchDollar health benefit and get a premium tax credit?

Tips for your Covered California application

• When the application asks about job-based coverage or an HRA, answer yes and enter your monthly allowance exactly as it appears in your benefits portal.
• Enrolling outside Open Enrollment? Being offered an ICHRA is a qualifying life event, so you can enroll when your benefit starts. See What is a qualifying life event (QLE)?
• Pick a plan start date that matches your ICHRA benefit start date.
• Pay your first premium to the insurance company. Your coverage isn't active until it's paid.

For 2027 coverage, Covered California's Open Enrollment deadline is December 31 for plans starting January 1. See Open Enrollment 2027 Overview.

After you enroll

Upload your proof of coverage under Auto-Reimbursements in your benefits portal so your monthly reimbursements can start. See What are Auto-Premium Reimbursements? How do I enroll?