Short answer: Outside open enrollment, you can sign up for or change a Covered California plan only after a qualifying life event. In most cases you have 60 days from the event to pick a plan (10 CCR §6504). If you're losing coverage, you can apply from 60 days before to 60 days after it ends, and if you lose Medi-Cal, Covered California allows 90 days.
Common qualifying events and deadlines
| Life event | When to act |
|---|---|
| Marriage, domestic partnership, divorce or a death in the household | Within 60 days |
| Birth, adoption or foster placement | Within 60 days |
| Losing job-based coverage | 60 days before or after coverage ends |
| Losing Medi-Cal | Within 90 days of Medi-Cal ending |
| Moving to or within California (with access to a new plan) | Within 60 days |
| Release from jail or prison | Within 60 days |
| Household affected by a declared state of emergency (such as a wildfire) | Special enrollment may be available |
Sources: 10 CCR §6504, the Covered California regulation, and Covered California's major life changes page. Not paying a COBRA premium is not treated as a loss of coverage.
When coverage starts
Start dates depend on the event and when you enroll. For a birth or adoption, you can choose a start date as early as the date of the event. For most other events, coverage typically starts the first of the month after you pick a plan.
Checklist
- Write down the exact date of your life event.
- Apply before you lose coverage if you can, to avoid a gap.
- Use a certified agent. Help from a Covered California certified agent costs you nothing extra.
Related: life insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the special enrollment period for Covered California?
Generally 60 days from the qualifying life event (10 CCR §6504). If you lose coverage, you can apply 60 days before and 60 days after it ends.
What if I lose Medi-Cal?
Covered California allows 90 days after Medi-Cal ends.
Does a wildfire qualify me for special enrollment?
A household affected by a disaster declared a state of emergency in California may qualify, according to Covered California.
Does stopping COBRA payments qualify as a loss of coverage?
No. Not paying your COBRA premium is not treated as loss of coverage.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.