Health coverage program fills important gap for low-income Californians

This fall and winter, low-income Californians who can’t get health coverage anywhere else can apply for Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Coverage Program, also known as CHCP.

Kaiser Permanente’s CHCP provides comprehensive, affordable health care coverage for qualified low-income adults and children who live in California communities that Kaiser Permanente serves. It was created for people who don’t qualify for public or private health coverage such as Medi-Cal, Medicare, an affordable job-based health plan, or coverage through Covered California.

Open enrollment for CHCP is Nov. 1, 2025, through Jan. 30, 2026.

The program provides eligible Californians with comprehensive health coverage from Kaiser Permanente, including preventive services, and a subsidy to cover their monthly premium. They don’t pay co-pays or out-of-pocket costs for most care at Kaiser Permanente facilities.

“Too many Californians do not have access or are in jeopardy of losing health insurance coverage,” said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “Our Community Health Coverage Program helps address this coverage gap for people with low incomes, helping them to receive vital health care services when they need it.”

Who is eligible for the Community Health Coverage Program?

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• Total household annual income of no more than 3 times the federal poverty level
• Not eligible for any other health coverage, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, a job-based health plan, or Covered California

(Example: up to $46,950 for an individual or up to $96,450 for a family of 4 in 2025)

• Must live in a Kaiser Permanente California service area

Applications must be submitted by January 30, 2026.

How to apply

As of November 1, you can apply online at www.kp.org/chcp. Click the "apply now” button at the top of the website for a link to the application. If you need assistance, click the “get help” button for a list of community agencies that can provide help, or call Kaiser Permanente Member Services at 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711).