Ambetter from Health Net Offers Health Insurance in California in 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

Ambetter from Health Net (NYSE: CNC) will offer individual and family health plans in 10 California counties for plan year 2026, covering about 60% of California's population. Open enrollment runs Nov 1, 2025–Jan 31, 2026; enroll by Dec 15, 2025 for Jan 1, 2026 coverage.

Key 2026 features: full essential health benefits, adult dental and vision on direct plans, telehealth via Teladoc, and the My Health Pays rewards program (up to $572/year). Some counties have limited plan types or partial-region coverage.

Positive

• Plans available in 10 California counties covering 60% population
• My Health Pays rewards up to $572 per year starting 2026
• Enrollment window Nov 1, 2025–Jan 31, 2026 with Dec 15 deadline for Jan 1 start
• Plans include all essential health benefits plus adult dental and vision

Negative

• Partial-region coverage in Placer, Kern, Riverside, San Bernardino
• Plan-type limits: HMO only in Imperial and Kern, PPO only in Placer, Sacramento, Yolo
• My Health Pays rewards cannot be used for premiums or cost shares and are forfeited on termination

Insights

Market-access and product strategy analyst

Centene’s Health Net will offer Ambetter plans in 10 California counties for plan year 2026.

Ambetter from Health Net will be available during the Individual Marketplace open enrollment from Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 31, 2026, with a Dec. 15, 2025 cutoff to begin coverage on Jan. 1, 2026. The product package includes full essential health benefits, optional adult dental and vision on direct plans, telehealth via Teladoc, and a member rewards program My Health Pays offering up to $572 per eligible member per year. The launch covers 10 counties representing 60% of California’s population, with specific plan types noted (HMO-only in Imperial and Kern, PPO-only in Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo; partial-region coverage in Placer, Kern, Riverside and San Bernardino).

The announcement presents clear operational items that determine near-term relevance: consumer enrollment during the stated open enrollment window and members’ eligibility for financial subsidies (both referenced), the specific county-by-county product mix, the $572 maximum reward, and the Dec. 15, 2025 enrollment date required for Jan. 1, 2026 coverage. Watchable items over the coming weeks include actual enrollment counts by county, subsidy qualification rates among applicants, and redemption terms for My Health Pays, all within the open enrollment timeframe.

During open enrollment, starting Nov. 1, residents can access affordable Ambetter from Health Net plans in 10 counties

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ambetter from Health Net, a product offered by Health Net of California (Health Net), a subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise that provides insurance to under-insured and uninsured individual and family populations through Health Net and through Covered California^®, will offer a variety of affordable health insurance plans to California residents in 10 counties for plan year 2026. The open enrollment period for the Individual Health Insurance Marketplace runs from Nov. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026. Enroll by Dec. 15, 2025, for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026. 

"At Health Net, we believe everyone deserves affordable, high-quality care close to home," said Chief Executive Officer of Health Net, Brian Ternan. "With Ambetter from Health Net, we're proud to offer health plan options that reflect the real needs of individuals and families across 10 counties representing 60% of California's population. Making coverage easier to find and use helps people stay healthy, care for their loved ones and feel more secure — and that's what we're working toward in 2026 and beyond."

Ambetter from Health Net offers its members access to quality care and convenient services. 2026 benefits and offerings include: 

• Affordable and Reliable Coverage:
  Ambetter from Health Net provides coverage for all essential health benefits, including preventive and wellness services, maternity and newborn care, pediatric services, mental health services, hospitalizations and prescription drug coverage. Plans available directly through Health Net also include adult dental and vision coverage.
  
  
• Convenient Online Enrollment:
  Through the Ambetter from Health Net website, people can browse and compare coverage options, determine their eligibility for financial subsidies and directly enroll in coverage — all in one place.
  
  
• My Health Pays*:
  My Health Pays^® is available to Ambetter from Health Net members, aged 18 and older, who can earn up to a maximum of $572 a year beginning in 2026. Points can be redeemed at the My Health Pays^® Online Rewards Store. The reward dollars can only be used for utilities, telecommunications, transportation, education, rent and child care. My Health Pays rewards cannot be used to pay health premiums or cost shares. Points and funds will be forfeited if a member's account is terminated or if the member is no longer enrolled in the Ambetter from Health Net plan.
  
  
• Teladoc:
  Teladoc offers members a licensed provider via telehealth for members to access care for illnesses such as flu, skin conditions, ear infections, fever and respiratory infections — all from the comfort of their home.

Below is the full list of counties in which Ambetter from Health Net will be offered: 

• Imperial (HMO only)
• Kern* (HMO only)
• Los Angeles
• Orange
• Placer* (PPO only)
• Riverside*
• Sacramento (PPO only)
• San Bernardino*
• San Diego
• Yolo (PPO only)

*Partial region coverage in Placer, Kern, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

California residents interested in learning more about Ambetter from Health Net or enrolling in a health plan during the open enrollment period may visit www.ambetterhealth.com/en/ca.

About Health Net, Inc.
Ambetter HMO and PPO plans are offered by Health Net of California, Inc. (Health Net). Health Net of California, Inc. is a subsidiary of Health Net, LLC. and Centene Corporation. Health Net is a registered service mark of Health Net, LLC. Covered California is a registered trademark of the State of California. All other identified trademarks/service marks remain the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved. This is a solicitation for insurance. For information on your right to receive Ambetter from Health Net plans free of discrimination, or your right to receive language, auditory and/or visual assistance services, please visit https://www.healthnet.com/content/healthnet/en_us/disclaimers/legal/non-discrimination-notice.html and scroll to the bottom of the page.

*Healthcare-related costs will vary by member and the plan in which you are enrolled. Funds expire immediately upon termination of insurance coverage. My Health Pays^® rewards cannot be used for pharmacy copays. Restrictions apply. Members must qualify for and complete all activities to receive $500 or more. Visit Member.AmbetterHealth.com for more details. Your health plan is committed to helping you achieve your best health. Rewards for participating in a wellness program are available to all members. If you think you might be unable to meet a standard for a reward under this wellness program, you might qualify for an opportunity to earn the same reward by different means.

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SOURCE Health Net

FAQ

When is open enrollment for Ambetter from Health Net (CNC) for 2026?

Open enrollment runs Nov 1, 2025–Jan 31, 2026.

What is the enrollment deadline to get coverage starting Jan 1, 2026 for CNC Ambetter plans?

Enroll by Dec 15, 2025 for coverage effective Jan 1, 2026.

Which counties will Ambetter from Health Net (CNC) serve in California in 2026?

Plans are offered in Imperial, Kern (partial), Los Angeles, Orange, Placer (partial), Riverside (partial), Sacramento, San Bernardino (partial), San Diego, and Yolo.

How much can members earn with My Health Pays on Ambetter (CNC) in 2026?

Members aged 18+ can earn up to $572 per year through My Health Pays.

Can My Health Pays rewards be used to pay premiums for Ambetter from Health Net (CNC)?

No. Reward dollars cannot be used for premiums or cost shares.

Does Ambetter from Health Net (CNC) offer telehealth in 2026?

Yes. Teladoc provides licensed telehealth access for common illnesses and conditions.