Covered California Open Enrollment 2027: MUST Know Info - Watch on YouTube
Most people can only enroll in a Covered California plan during the annual Open Enrollment Period (typically November through January). But if you experience a qualifying life event, you get a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — usually 60 days — to sign up or change plans outside that window.
Missing a Special Enrollment window can mean waiting months for coverage, so knowing whether you qualify is important. Here are the events that trigger one.
Losing job-based coverage, aging off a parent's plan at 26, losing Medi-Cal eligibility, or COBRA ending. (Voluntarily dropping coverage usually does not count.)
Getting married, having a baby, adopting a child, or a divorce that changes who's on your plan.
A permanent move to a new area with different plan options can trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
A change in income that affects your subsidy eligibility — or that moves you between Medi-Cal and Covered California — can open a window.
Becoming a U.S. citizen or gaining lawfully present immigration status.
Release from incarceration, gaining membership in a federally recognized tribe (AIAN), and certain other life changes.
Most Special Enrollment Periods last only 60 days from the qualifying event. For events like losing coverage, you can sometimes apply up to 60 days before as well — which helps you avoid any gap. Miss the window and you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment.
The rules on what documentation you need and exactly when your coverage starts can be confusing. We help people time this correctly so coverage begins when they need it — at no cost.
If your income qualifies you for Medi-Cal, you can enroll any time of year — you don't need a Special Enrollment Period. This matters if you've missed Open Enrollment but your income is in the Medi-Cal range. Not sure? Check the income limits or reach out and we'll tell you in a couple minutes.
Once you have a qualifying event, you'll typically need to select a plan within 60 days and may need to provide documentation of the event (like a termination letter or proof of a move). We can walk you through eligibility, paperwork, plan selection, and timing so your new coverage starts cleanly. See how to apply for the full process.