Rep. Jim Costa speaks at a Covered California news conference in Fresno on Jan. 27, 2026. Photo by Ben Hensley

Covered California made a stop in Fresno on Tuesday, Jan. 27, reminding Central Valley residents to sign up for or renew their health coverage before the Jan. 31 open enrollment deadline, as uncertainty over federal insurance tax credits continues to hang over the market.

Covered California Chief Medical Officer Dr. Monica Soni was joined by Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea, Fresno Building Healthy Communities President and CEO Sandra Celedon and Cultiva La Salud Executive Director Genoveva Islas for the event, which took place at My Homies Kitchen in Downtown Fresno.

Along with emphasizing the importance of enrollment ahead of the cutoff date, Costa and local leaders also called for congressional action to extend tax credits that lowered premiums nationwide since becoming available in 2014.

“Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, families across the San Joaquin Valley, and millions of Americans nationwide, have been able to access affordable health coverage,” Costa said. “With this initiative under attack, we are already seeing enrollment numbers drop this year as uncertainty drives up costs and pushes families out of the market. Families are being forced to choose between putting food on the table or maintaining lifesaving health insurance.”

He said a Senate extension is critical, adding that a bipartisan solution is needed in order to continue to support working families seeking affordable health care options.

Soni told those in attendance that coverage plays a direct role in long-term stability, improving overall health outlooks and general wellness.

“As a primary care doctor, I’ve seen firsthand that health insurance helps protect the physical, mental and financial health of you and your family,” Soni said. “The deadline for Open Enrollment is quickly approaching, so explore your options now and find a plan that works for you and your family — because you can’t use your health insurance if you don’t get health insurance.”

Covered California reported that over 1.9 million Californians are enrolled for plans this year, including over 51,000 in the Fresno area. Some 385,000 of those enrolled see premiums of $10 or less per member.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, Covered California offers working families in our communities the opportunity to obtain high-quality health insurance, with financial support to cover monthly premiums,” said Sandra Celedon, president and CEO of Fresno Building Healthy Communities. “At a time when many vulnerable families are under attack, Covered California and the state are stepping up to protect access to essential care and keep our communities healthy.”

To stabilize premiums, the state put $190 million toward lower-income households, partially offsetting the loss of $2.5 billion tied to the expiration of federal credits. Covered California says nearly 400,000 enrollees have benefited from the funds, but that it doesn’t nearly add up to cover what was lost when credits expired.

“Health equity is essential to the well-being of our entire community,” said Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea. “Covered California continues to be a source of opportunity and connection to high-quality, affordable health coverage for everyone in California.”

Consumers can compare plans and check for financial assistance at CoveredCA.com. Free enrollment help is also available online or by phone at (800) 300-1506. The deadline for sign-ups and renewals is Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.