When is the open enrollment deadline for Covered California? Here’s what to know

Need health insurance? Open enrollment for California’s health insurance marketplace, Covered California, ends Jan. 31.

If you’re not already covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare or an employer health plan, you’ll need to sign up to avoid a state tax penalty.

Covered California was established in 2010 in response to passage of the federal Affordable Care Act, sometimes called “Obamacare,” requiring states to establish their own health plan exchanges or offer enrollment through a federally-operated exchange.

The act also requires individuals and families to obtain health coverage with certain minimum essential benefits. While a federal tax penalty for failing to obtain insurance has been canceled, California has its own mandate with a tax penalty for non-compliance.

Here’s what you need to know:

Who’s eligible to enroll in Covered California?

You can buy health insurance through Covered California if you aren’t already covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare or your employer’s health plan, the exchange said.

The exchange also offers financial help depending on your need to lower the cost of your insurance plan. Four out of five people using Covered California qualify for financial aid.

You can get a quick estimate of how much aid you might receive online

What’s the deadline to enroll in Covered California?

Open enrollment for Covered California ends Jan. 31. The open-enrollment period opened Nov. 1, and the deadline to apply for coverage starting Jan. 1 passed on Dec. 31.

“During this time frame, you may apply for a new plan or switch Covered California plans,” the exchange said. “You do not have to have a special reason to apply.”

If you sign up for a plan in January, your coverage begins Feb. 1.

How do I enroll in Covered California?

First, find a health plan through the exchange.

All the plans offered through Covered California provide the same basic coverage, “including emergency care, preventive and wellness services, hospitalization and more.”

Plans come in four tiers of coverage, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, depending on how costs are shared between you and the insurance company.

Once you pick a plan after comparing coverage, go here to apply.

Covered California will verify your citizenship or immigration status, but this information will not be shared, the exchange said.

Remember, your coverage doesn’t start until you pay the first month’s premium.

What if I miss the open enrollment deadline?

You can apply for a health plan through Covered California at any time of year if you have a qualifying life event, “such as an involuntary loss of coverage, relocation, a change in marital status, or the birth of a child.”

You must apply within 60 days of the event, Covered California said.

Also, the open enrollment deadline does not apply to anyone who is part of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or are an Alaska Native.

They can apply or change coverage once a month.

Also, applications for Medi-Cal coverage can be made year-round.

If you don’t meet any of these criteria, you’ll have to wait for the next open enrollment period to open in November 2026 to sign up for a new plan or change plans.

This story was originally published January 8, 2026 at 9:46 AM with the headline "When is the open enrollment deadline for Covered California? Here’s what to know."