Covered California launches 2027 enrollment campaign at Oakland media event, warning of rising costs and new eligibility restrictions
by El Reportero staff
OAKLAND, Calif. — Covered California kicked off its 2027 open enrollment campaign Friday, Nov. 6, during a media and community event in Oakland, bringing together state health officials, healthcare advocates and community representatives to explain insurance options and financial assistance available to California residents amid significant federal policy changes.
The event, held at Kinfolx on Telegraph Avenue, highlighted efforts to connect uninsured families with affordable healthcare coverage, particularly those facing higher premiums or changes in eligibility for federal subsidies.
Among the most concerning developments is the potential loss of financial assistance for approximately 29,000 lawfully present immigrants in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to Juan Pimiento, a Covered California spokesperson interviewed by El Reportero following the event.
“We are talking about people with work visas, student visas, asylum and other immigration statuses,” Pimiento explained.
He said that many immigrants without permanent resident status will lose eligibility for federal premium assistance in 2027, although they may remain eligible to purchase health insurance.
Lawful permanent residents holding green cards generally retain eligibility for federal subsidies, subject to applicable program rules.
California has increased funding for state financial assistance to $300 million for 2027, although the additional support cannot fully compensate for the federal reductions.
According to Covered California, more than 500,000 Californians are projected to benefit from expanded state subsidies.
The agency also estimates that 137,000 uninsured Bay Area residents could qualify for financial assistance or free Medi-Cal coverage.
In a separate interview with El Reportero, Dr. Lucía Abascal Miguel, a physician and researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized that lack of information remains a major obstacle to obtaining coverage.
“Many people don’t seek information because they think they don’t qualify or that it will be too expensive,” she said.
Abascal Miguel encouraged families to explore their options, including assistance available through community clinics, libraries and certified enrollment specialists.
Pimiento urged residents to compare insurance plans and seek free guidance in Spanish, emphasizing the importance of maintaining coverage for preventive care, maternity services and medical emergencies.
Covered California operates a statewide network of approximately 16,000 certified enrollment specialists offering assistance in multiple languages.
Open enrollment continues through January 31, 2027. Residents seeking coverage beginning January 1 must enroll by December 31.
For information, visit www.CoveredCA.com/espanol or call (800) 300-0213.
