Before subsidies, the average benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in California costs $655 a month for 2027 (the national average is $704). Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size.
Brokers in the Oakland area can quote individual, family and self-employed coverage from multiple carriers licensed in California. Their commission is built into the premium, so using one doesn't raise your price. Here are 12 brokerages within reach of Oakland.
Health Insurance Brokers near Oakland
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Alameda County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in California.
Carriers a Oakland broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in California come from 12 insurers: Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Balance by CCHP, Health Net (Ambetter), Inland Empire Health Plan, Kaiser Permanente, L.A. Care Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, Sharp Health Plan, Valley Health Plan, Western Health Advantage and CalOptima Health. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
Before you call an agent
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
Checking an agent's license in California
- California offers a free online Check a License tool from the Department of Insurance. You can search by license number or name to see an agent's or broker's license status and any disciplinary history. Source
- The California Department of Insurance licenses insurance agents and brokers and oversees insurers in the state. Consumers can file complaints with the department through its website. Source
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a good health insurance broker in Oakland?
Look for a broker licensed in California who can quote several carriers, is certified with the Covered California, and has reviews from local clients. You can verify any license with the California insurance regulator.
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 31 on the Covered California), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Piedmont, CA 2 miles
- Alameda, CA 3 miles
- Emeryville, CA 5 miles
- Moraga, CA 6 miles
- San Leandro, CA 7 miles
- Berkeley, CA 7 miles
- Orinda, CA 7 miles
- Albany, CA 8 miles
- Ashland, CA 9 miles
- Lafayette, CA 9 miles