When can I enroll in health insurance in California?
Open enrollment for Covered California runs annually from November 1 through January 31. You can buy health insurance or change your existing health plan for the upcoming year at any point during this time. If you miss this window, you might not be able to buy health insurance until the next open enrollment period. There are some exemptions to that rule, such as a major life change that qualifies you for special enrollment.If you experience a major life change, you can enroll in a Covered California health insurance plan outside of the normal open-enrollment period. Most special-enrollment periods last 60 days from the date of the major life change.Open enrollment is the time during the year, generally two to four weeks long, when companies allow their employees to make changes or additions to their elected fringe benefits such as health insurance, unemployment benefits, or retirement plans.A change in your situation — like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. Refer to glossary for more details.
How much is the penalty for not having health insurance in California?
California’s Health Insurance Penalty How much? For tax year 2023, the penalty will cost at least $900 per adult and $450 per dependent child under 18 in your household. A family of four who goes uninsured for the whole year could owe at least $2,700. Keep in mind, these penalties may vary from year to year. If you do not have health insurance, Covered California can help you determine if you qualify for Medi-Cal or federal subsidies, and can provide you with coverage options and plan costs. You can contact Covered California by phone at (800) 300-1506, TTY: (888) 889-4500 or by visiting their website at www.Average cost of health insurance in California For 2026, California health insurance costs an average of $728 per month at full price or an estimated $261 per month if you qualify for discounts.Covered California health plans require payment of premiums and other costs such as copays and coinsurance, while Medi-Cal can provide health coverage at low- to no-cost.Most people in California are required to have health coverage. If you do not have health coverage you may have to pay a tax penalty. This is called the “individual mandate.
Can you get health insurance outside of open enrollment in California?
There are exceptions to the annual open enrollment period. These are called qualifying life events and if you experience one or more of them, you can buy new coverage or change your existing coverage. Below is a list of the qualifying life events: Gaining a dependent or becoming a dependent through birth or adoption. When you need coverage, Covered California can help you find the health plan and financial help you need. Remember, the dates for open enrollment are November 1 through January 31 — but if you experience a major life change at another time of year, you can sign up during your special enrollment window.If you have limited income, the Medi-Cal Program provides comprehensive health coverage to you and your family for free or low-cost. If you need health benefits, you can apply for Medi-Cal anytime throughout the year online or through Covered California.Open enrollment for Covered California starts in the fall. Even when open enrollment is over, individuals with qualifying life events can enroll at any time of the year.What if I miss the deadline? You may still qualify for a health insurance plan outside open enrollment if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event, usually within the last 60 days.
How long can I go without health insurance in California?
As a California resident, you should carry insurance throughout the year with no gaps in coverage of 90 days or more. Otherwise, you may face a tax penalty when you file your tax return. There are some exemptions to California’s penalty, which we’ll discuss later. Any Californian can get health insurance through Covered California if he or she is a state resident and cannot get affordable health insurance through a job. Applicants may qualify for a free or low-cost health plan, or for financial help that can lower the cost of premiums and co-pays.California’s Open Enrollment Period for 2026 health coverage begins November 1, 2025 and lasts through January 31, 2026.Individual/Family and Group health coverage sold in California only allows new membership during an annual open enrollment period. Enrollment works this way because if people were allowed to purchase insurance anytime, people could wait until they got sick and the system wouldn’t work.Understanding the Covered California Income Limits Here are the criteria to be eligible for coverage: You must be a California resident. You cannot be enrolled in Medicare or have employer-sponsored health care. You must be a lawfully present immigrant.
Can I enroll in Covered California anytime?
Open enrollment for Covered California starts in the fall. Even when open enrollment is over, individuals with qualifying life events can enroll at any time of the year. Covered California: Open Enrollment is November 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. Californians can also enroll at any time when experiencing a qualifying life event, such as losing a job, turning 26, experiencing impacts from wildfires and more.Open enrollment, which runs through Jan. Californians can sign up for, renew or shop for a new health insurance plan.Individual/Family and Group health coverage sold in California only allows new membership during an annual open enrollment period. Enrollment works this way because if people were allowed to purchase insurance anytime, people could wait until they got sick and the system wouldn’t work.Open enrollment is the time of year when everyone can apply for a health or dental insurance plan through Covered California.
What happens if you miss open enrollment for Covered California?
If you miss the enroll-by date, you might have to wait until the next open enrollment period — but there are some exceptions. If you go through a major life change, you may still be able to apply for health insurance with Covered California under special enrollment. If you do not have health insurance, Covered California can help you determine if you qualify for Medi-Cal or federal subsidies, and can provide you with coverage options and plan costs. You can contact Covered California by phone at (800) 300-1506, TTY: (888) 889-4500 or by visiting their website at www.Any Californian can get health insurance through Covered California if he or she is a state resident and cannot get affordable health insurance through a job. Applicants may qualify for a free or low-cost health plan, or for financial help that can lower the cost of premiums and co-pays.Health plans available through Medi‑Cal and Covered California both offer a similar set of important benefits, called essential health benefits. You can apply for both programs at the same time when you use our single application.This could be for various reasons. In some cases, medical insurance carriers payout less for the California Health Exchange plans, so physicians don’t want to accept them. In other cases, it’s just that doctors have heard they might get paid less.Individual Mandate Most people in California are required to have health coverage. If you do not have health coverage you may have to pay a tax penalty.