SAN DIEGO, CA – (November 24, 2025) Covered California launched open enrollment for 2026 health coverage with a press event at Family Health Centers of San Diego’s City Heights Family Health Center. State leaders and community partners attended to help San Diegans understand their insurance options ahead of the January 31, 2026 enrollment deadline.
Victoriano Diaz, FHCSD’s director of patient engagement and enrollment, said consistent health coverage strengthens community health. “It helps parents manage chronic conditions, young adults access counseling and older adults keep up with preventive screenings,” he said. “Our certified enrollment specialists work across the community to help people understand their options and complete their applications. As open enrollment begins, I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to protect their health.”
This year’s enrollment period comes amid uncertainty in Washington over the future of enhanced premium tax credits, which have lowered monthly premiums for millions of Americans. Without congressional action, premiums could rise by an average of 97 percent for more than 1.7 million Californians currently receiving financial assistance through Covered California. That includes more than 160,000 middle-income consumers who could lose eligibility for the credits in 2026.
Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children’s Partnership, highlighted how potential increases could affect families. “The projected premium increase for children under 17 is $83 statewide,” she said. “That might not sound like a lot, but it’s significant for many families.”
Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California, said the state has set aside $190 million to help keep premiums reasonable for the lowest-income enrollees. “Despite uncertainty in Washington, our mission remains the same,” Altman said. “We are here to help Californians get comprehensive health insurance, including free preventive care, to keep themselves and their families healthy in 2026.”
Enrollment assistance is available statewide to help Californians explore insurance options and answer questions. FHCSD offers free, confidential support for Covered California and Medi-Cal. Contact certified enrollment staff at (619) 515-2363 or enrollment@fhcsd.org.
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About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Since 1970, FHCSD’s mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the country, operating more than 90 sites across San Diego County and providing care to more than 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured.
