Covered California Deadline
General Application Deadline to Enroll:
15th of the month for coverage to start the 1st of the following month
Note: Due to Covid-19 and the American Rescue Plan, you can enroll all the way up to the end of the month for coverage starting on the 1st of the next month (without a Qualifying Life Event).
There are two distinct times of the year to enroll with the Covered California Application and make plan changes: Open Enrollment and Special Enrollment. Within these two periods, different requirements and deadlines may apply.
Open Enrollment Period
This is when most anyone can sign up for individual and family health insurance. Check the dates for this year’s open enrollment period so you know which deadlines apply.
General Deadlines
- December 15th for a January 1st effective date
- January 15th for a February 1st effective date
Special Enrollment Period
To enroll during the special enrollment period you are required to have a qualifying life event occurring within the last 60 days. Deadlines will vary by life event. Here is a list of the most common life events with corresponding deadlines.
Qualifying Life Event | Deadline | Effective Date |
Permanently moved to/within California Got married |
||
January 15th | February 1st | |
February 15th | March 1st | |
March 15th | April 1st | |
April 15th | May 1st | |
May 15th | June 1st | |
June 15th | July 1st | |
July 15th | August 1st | |
August 15th | September 1st | |
September 15th | October 1st | |
October 15th | November 1st | |
November 15th | December 1st | |
December 31st | January 1st | |
Involuntary loss of health insurance |
||
January 31st | February 1st | |
February 28th | March 1st | |
March 31st | April 1st | |
April 30th | May 1st | |
May 31st | June 1st | |
June 30th | July 1st | |
July 31st | August 1st | |
August 31st | September 1st | |
September 30th | October 1st | |
October 31st | November 1st | |
November 30th | December 1st |
Effective Dates
Covered California deadlines are closely connected to the effective date of insurance. We suggested you work backward. Find out when you need your insurance to start, and then plan around the corresponding application deadline date. If you don’t have a qualifying life event to apply mid-year, plan around the next open enrollment period.
Don’t Wait Last Minute!
The Covered California deadline days can be crazy. We notice more mistakes on applications submitted on these days than any other. Make a decision to plan ahead and set aside time to complete your application with no distractions. Submit your application a week if not more before the deadline. Less stress will produce a clearer mind and insure an easier process.
Note: In 2014 and 2015, the Covered California deadline was extended. In 2016, a one week extension was given for people who enrolled before the deadline. However, we do not anticipate there being any deadline extension for the Covered California 2017 Open Enrollment Period.
Not sure how Obamacare affects your health care plans in California? Learn how the ACA works in California, including benefits, costs and enrollment.
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Learn about Obamacare income guidelines in California using our income limits chart, and see if you’re eligible for government assistance.
Learn about the Covered California website. Find easy online enrollment. Set up your account, log in, buy insurance and more on the California health marketplace website.