The annual enrollment window
Open Enrollment
Apply for a new Covered California health plan or review and change existing coverage for the next plan year. Confirm the current dates before you apply.
Open and special enrollment
Covered California Enrollment
Understand when you can enroll, which life changes may open a Special Enrollment Period, and what to prepare before applying.
Individual Health Carriers
When you can apply
Two paths to Covered California enrollment.
Covered California enrollment is available during the annual Open Enrollment period. Outside that window, a qualifying life event may create a Special Enrollment Period, while Medi-Cal enrollment remains available year-round.
After an eligible life change
Special Enrollment
A qualifying life event may let you enroll outside Open Enrollment. Many events use a 60-day window, but the deadline and effective-date rules depend on the event.
Medi-Cal applications are accepted year-round. The Covered California application can screen household members for eligibility.
Qualifying life events
Common reasons Special Enrollment may open.
Eligibility depends on the exact event, when it happened, and the documents available. These are common examples, not a complete list.
Lost health coverage
Loss of job-based coverage, COBRA, Medi-Cal, or another qualifying plan may open a limited enrollment window.
Marriage or partnership
Marriage or entering a domestic partnership can allow eligible household members to apply or change plans.
Birth or adoption
A birth, adoption, or foster placement can create enrollment rights and may use special coverage-start rules.
A qualifying move
A permanent move that gives access to different plans may qualify when Covered California requirements are met.
Before you apply
Timing matters. Keep proof of the event.
Skyline can help organize the application details, review the enrollment window, and compare plans available in your ZIP code.
Check current enrollment dates
Household and income
Gather household members, tax filing details, and projected annual income for the coverage year.
Event date and documents
Keep notices or records showing the qualifying event and the date it occurred.
Plan start and first payment
Confirm the effective date and make the first premium payment required by the carrier to activate coverage.
From our clients
Trusted health coverage guidance from a local team.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Covered California Enrollment
When is Covered California Open Enrollment?
Covered California publishes the dates for each plan year. Check the current official enrollment dates before relying on a prior-year deadline.
What is Covered California Special Enrollment?
It is an enrollment opportunity outside Open Enrollment for people who experience an eligible qualifying life event.
What counts as a Covered California qualifying life event?
Common examples include losing qualifying coverage, marriage, birth or adoption, and certain moves. Eligibility and deadlines depend on the specific event.
When will my Covered California plan start?
Coverage often starts on the first day of a future month, but effective-date rules can vary by enrollment date and qualifying event. Confirm the date before ending existing coverage.
Can I apply for Medi-Cal outside Open Enrollment?
Yes. Medi-Cal applications are accepted year-round, and the Covered California application can screen household members for eligibility.
Ready to compare Covered California?