When is Covered California Open Enrollment for 2026-2027?

Covered California Open Enrollment for the upcoming plan year typically runs from November 1 through January 31. Enroll by the mid-December deadline for coverage starting January 1; enrolling later in the window usually means a February 1 start. Exact dates can shift slightly each year, so confirm the current deadline.

Can I enroll in Covered California outside Open Enrollment?

Generally you need a qualifying life event (like losing coverage, moving, marriage, or a new baby) to enroll outside Open Enrollment through a Special Enrollment Period. However, if your income qualifies you for Medi-Cal, you can enroll any time of year with no special event needed.

What happens if I miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss the window and don't have a qualifying life event, you typically must wait until the next Open Enrollment to get a Covered California plan. If you experience a qualifying event, you get a Special Enrollment Period (usually 60 days). And Medi-Cal enrolls year-round if your income qualifies.

Do I need to do anything during Open Enrollment if I already have a plan?

Even if you're automatically renewed, it's wise to review during Open Enrollment. Plans, prices, networks, and subsidies change every year, so the plan that was best last year may not be this year. Reviewing (and updating your income estimate) can prevent overpaying. We review clients' plans each year at no cost.

When does my coverage start if I enroll during Open Enrollment?

If you enroll by the mid-December deadline, coverage typically starts January 1. If you enroll later in the Open Enrollment window (after that deadline but before it closes), coverage usually starts February 1. Paying your first premium on time is required to activate coverage.

Covered California Guide

How It Works Income Limits Metal Tiers Medi-Cal vs Covered CAOpen EnrollmentSpecial Enrollment How to Apply

Covered California Open Enrollment (2027)

Covered California Open Enrollment 2027: MUST Know Info - Watch on YouTube

Open Enrollment is the annual window when anyone can enroll in a Covered California health plan — no qualifying life event required. It's the one time each year you can freely sign up, switch plans, or change your coverage for any reason. For most people, this is the window that matters.

Outside of Open Enrollment, you generally need a qualifying life event to enroll (see Special Enrollment). So knowing the dates — and acting before the deadline — is important.

Covered California Open Enrollment Dates

Open Enrollment for the upcoming plan year typically runs from November 1 through January 31. The exact end date can shift slightly year to year, so confirm the current deadline before you count on it.

Milestone	What it means
November 1	Open Enrollment begins — you can enroll, renew, or switch plans
December (mid-month)	Enroll by this date for coverage starting January 1
January 1	Coverage begins for those who enrolled by the December deadline
January 31	Open Enrollment ends (typical) — last day to enroll without a qualifying event

Enroll by the mid-December deadline for January 1 coverage; enrolling later in the window generally means a February 1 start. Always confirm the current year's exact dates — we can tell you in seconds.

What You Can Do During Open Enrollment

Enroll for the first time

New to Covered California? This is when you can sign up for any reason, no life event needed.

Switch plans or carriers

Change metal tiers, move to a different carrier, or find a plan that better fits your doctors and budget.

Update your income

Report income changes to adjust your subsidy — often the single biggest way to fix your costs for the year.

Renew coverage

Even if you're auto-renewed, this is the time to review — plans and prices change every year, and staying put isn't always best.

Don't just auto-renew — review every year

Plans, prices, networks, and subsidies change every single year. The plan that was best for you last year may not be this year — a carrier might raise rates, drop your doctor, or a better-value option might appear. Auto-renewing without reviewing is one of the most common ways people overpay.

Open Enrollment is your annual chance to make sure you're still in the right plan at the right price. We review your situation each year — checking your doctors, prescriptions, income, and the new plan options — at no cost. It takes a few minutes and often saves real money.

What If You Miss Open Enrollment?

If you miss the Open Enrollment window, you generally can't enroll until the next one — unless you have a qualifying life event (like losing coverage, moving, marriage, or a new baby) that triggers a Special Enrollment Period. And if your income qualifies you for Medi-Cal, you can enroll any time of year. Not sure where you stand? Reach out and we'll sort it out fast.

Get Ready for Open Enrollment

The smoothest enrollments happen when you're prepared. Before the window, it helps to have your estimated income for the year, a list of your doctors and prescriptions, and a sense of how much care you expect to use. Then check your income limits to see your financial help, review the metal tiers, and see how to apply. Or just let us handle all of it — free.