Covered California’s Renewal for existing 1.7 million consumers begins on. Oct. 18 and Open Enrollment for the uninsured begins on Nov. 1

Before getting to Halloween, Thanksgiving and all the holidays in December, the time has come for Californians to renew their health care coverage for 2023.

Renewal began on Oct. 18 for Covered California’s record 1.7 million enrollees with Open Enrollment beginning on Nov. 1. Consumers have good news awaiting them, as the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law in August, cemented increased subsidies for those getting health care coverage via the Affordable Care Act through 2025.

With more people eligible for financial help than ever before, 90 percent of Covered California’s 1.7 million enrollees are now receiving federal subsidies and over 1 million consumers can get top-notch, brand-name health care coverage for $10 or less a month.

“We want consumers to know that they have until the end of December to also shop around and find the best plan for themselves and their family for 2023,” Covered California executive director Jessica Altman said. “The increased financial help that made health care coverage affordable for so many more Californians is still available – so log on to CoveredCA.com – or work with your agent to find the right plan for you.”

While the average rate change for Covered California enrollees in 2023 is 5.6 percent, consumers can lower their premiums by an average of 6 percent if they shop around and switch to the lowest-cost plan on the same metal tier.

Covered California is also adding Aetna CVS Health for 2023, as it joins Anthem Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Chinese Community Health Plan, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, L.A. Care Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, Oscar Health Plan of California, Sharp Health Plan, Valley Health Plan and Western Health Advantage, depending on where you live.

Aetna CVS Health, which already serves 34 million people across the nation, will be offering coverage in El Dorado, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties. Anthem Blue Cross will return to San Diego County and will join Blue Shield of California as the second carrier to offer statewide coverage.

As a result, with 12 carriers providing coverage across the state in 2023, all Californians will have two or more choices, 93 percent will be able to choose from three carriers or more, helping keep health care as affordable as possible.

“Covered California’s marketplace requires carriers to compete on price and quality, which increases affordability and allows Californians to choose the option that best fits their needs,” Altman said. “2023 will bring increased competition, and every Californian will have at least two carries to choose from, with most having four or five choices.”