Covered California posts 2026 enrollment totals; state issues new updates on flu and RSV activity
Bakersfield, CA – March 2, 2026 – Covered California reports strong renewals as federal subsidies expire; state updates show flu/RSV elevated.
Health insurance: Covered California closes open enrollment with renewals up
Covered California reported that more than 1.9 million Californians selected or renewed marketplace coverage during the 2026 open-enrollment period, keeping overall enrollment near a record high. The agency said nearly 1.7 million people renewed coverage and 235,055 newly selected a health plan for 2026.
The update comes as enhanced federal premium tax credits have expired. Covered California said 389,590 enrollees are receiving state-funded subsidies that lower monthly premiums, averaging $45 per month in assistance in 2026. Covered California also reported that new enrollment was down 32% from last year, while renewals were up 4% at the end of open enrollment, and noted that some changes in renewals can continue into spring as cancellations and terminations are processed.
Hospitals and outpatient surgery: workers’ comp fee schedule updated March 1
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) posted an order adjusting the Hospital Outpatient Departments and Ambulatory Surgical Centers portion of the Official Medical Fee Schedule. DWC said the update is intended to align California’s workers’ compensation payments with calendar-year 2026 changes in the Medicare payment system.
The order is effective for services rendered on or after March 1, 2026. In practical terms for Kern County, the change affects how certain outpatient hospital and ambulatory surgery services are reimbursed when care is billed under California workers’ compensation rules.
Outbreak watch: CDPH says flu and RSV remain elevated statewide
In an update posted February 27, the California Department of Public Health said seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across California. CDPH also reported that RSV activity is elevated, with hospitalizations highest among children and older adults, while COVID-19 activity remains very low statewide.
CDPH’s respiratory virus reporting is statewide, but the trends can shape what local clinics and hospitals are seeing in the community during late winter. Residents should follow local public health guidance and use trusted health care channels for updates.
Sources
https://www.coveredca.com/newsroom/news-releases/2026/02/26/as-enhanced-federal-subsidies-expire-covered-california-ends-open-enrollment-with-state-subsidies-keeping-renewals-steady-for-now-and-new-signups-down/
https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2026/2026-21.html
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/RespiratoryVirusReport.aspx
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
