No Health Insurance? Don’t Miss Covered CA Open Enrollment

If you don’t have health insurance, Covered California’s Open Enrollment period is your annual opportunity to shop for affordable coverage for the upcoming year. Covered California serves as the state’s official health insurance marketplace, where individuals and families can compare private health plans side-by-side and discover if they qualify for financial help to lower their costs. 

For 2027 coverage, the Open Enrollment period begins on November 1, 2026, and runs through January 31, 2027. Enroll by December 31, 2026, to have coverage start on January 1, 2027. If you sign up during January before the January 31 deadline, your coverage will typically begin on February 1. This is the main annual window to enroll in coverage for the coming year. Having qualifying coverage can also help you meet California’s individual mandate and avoid a potential state tax penalty, unless an exemption applies. 

What is Covered California? 

Covered California is California’s health insurance marketplace, created under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

Through Covered California, you can compare health insurance plans from participating insurance companies based on factors such as: 

• Monthly premiums 
• Deductibles 
• Copays and coinsurance 
• Provider networks 
• Prescription drug coverage 
• Other plan benefits and out-of-pocket costs 

When you apply, Covered California also determines if you may qualify for financial assistance or for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. 

Financial help through Covered California can include premium tax credits that lower monthly premiums and, for eligible households, cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses. 

The amount of assistance available depends on factors such as your household income, household size, age, and location. 

Why Open Enrollment matters 

Open Enrollment is the annual period when most people can enroll in a Covered California health plan or change their existing coverage without having a qualifying life event. 

For 2027 coverage, the Open Enrollment period is: 

• November 1, 2026: Open Enrollment begins 
• December 31, 2026: Deadline to enroll for coverage beginning January 1, 2027 
• January 31, 2027: Open Enrollment ends 

If you don’t enroll by January 31, you generally have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. 

Open Enrollment is also a good time for current members to review their coverage. Premiums, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and other plan details can change from one year to the next. 

Instead of automatically renewing a plan, compare your available options and make sure your current coverage still fits your needs and budget. 

What can happen if you don’t have health insurance? 

Going without health insurance can leave you responsible for the full cost of many medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, tests, and prescription medications. 

California also has an individual health care mandate. In general, California residents must have qualifying health coverage, qualify for an exemption, or potentially pay an Individual Shared Responsibility Penalty when filing their state income tax return. 

The amount of the penalty can depend on household income and the number of people in the household, so don’t rely on outdated dollar amounts from previous tax years. 

If you’re currently uninsured, Open Enrollment gives you an opportunity to compare available plans before the next coverage year begins. 

How to enroll in Covered California during Open Enrollment 

You can apply for Covered California online, by phone, or with help from a certified enrollment professional. 

Before you start, gather information about your household so the application can determine which programs and financial assistance you may qualify for. 

1. Gather your information 

You may need information such as: 

• Birthdates for members of your household 
• Social Security numbers for applicants who have them 
• Immigration documents, when applicable 
• Current household income information 
• Information about health coverage available through an employer 

Covered California may request additional documentation if it needs to verify information on your application. 

2. Complete the application 

The application asks about your household, income, and other eligibility information. 

After you submit the required information, you’ll learn if you may qualify for a Covered California health plan, financial assistance, or Medi-Cal. 

3. Compare available plans 

Don’t choose a health plan based only on its monthly premium. Covered California offers four metal tiers, plus a minimum coverage, or catastrophic, option for some people. The percentages below describe how plans are designed to share covered health care costs on average, not the exact percentage of your individual medical bills a plan will pay. 

1. Bronze plans: Designed to cover about 60% of average covered costs. These plans generally have lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs.  

2. Silver plans: Designed to cover about 70% of average covered costs. They offer a balance of premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and eligible households may qualify for additional cost-sharing reductions.  

3. Gold plans: Designed to cover about 80% of average covered costs. These plans generally have higher premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs.  

4. Platinum plans: Designed to cover about 90% of average covered costs. They generally have the highest premiums and lower costs when you receive care.  

5. Minimum coverage plans: Also known as catastrophic plans, these are generally available to people under 30. People age 30 or older may qualify with an approved affordability or hardship exemption. 

All plans include essential health benefits like hospitalization, emergency services, and preventive care. 

Compare: 

• Deductibles 
• Copays 
• Coinsurance 
• Out-of-pocket maximums 
• Provider networks 
• Prescription drug coverage 

If you regularly see a particular doctor or specialist, check that they’re included in the plan’s current network. If you take prescription medications, review the plan’s drug coverage as well. 

4. Select Your Plan and Complete Enrollment 

After comparing your options, choose the health insurance plan that fits your health care needs and budget. Follow the enrollment instructions to finalize your plan selection. 

Be sure to pay your first premium to the insurance company by its specified deadline so your coverage can take effect as planned. 

Who can apply for Covered California? 

People who live in California can submit an application through Covered California to find out what coverage they may qualify for. 

The application can determine eligibility for: 

• A private health plan through Covered California 
• Financial assistance with an eligible Covered California plan 
• Medi-Cal 

Eligibility can depend on several factors, including household income, household size, immigration status, and access to other health coverage. 

For 2027, federal rules change which immigration statuses qualify for financial help through Covered California. Some lawfully present immigrants can still enroll in marketplace coverage but will no longer qualify for financial assistance. Use your current information when applying rather than relying on eligibility rules from previous years. 

If you already have a Covered California plan, review and update your household and income information during Open Enrollment. Changes in your circumstances can affect your plan options and the financial help you qualify to receive. 

What to do if you miss Covered California Open Enrollment 

Missing the January 31 deadline doesn’t always mean you have to remain uninsured for the rest of the year. 

You may have other options. 

Check for a Special Enrollment Period 

A Special Enrollment Period allows eligible people to enroll outside the annual Open Enrollment period after certain qualifying life events. 

Examples can include: 

• Losing qualifying health coverage 
• Getting married 
• Having or adopting a child 
• Moving and meeting applicable eligibility requirements 
• Certain changes in immigration or household status 

Most Special Enrollment Periods last 60 days from the qualifying life event, although rules vary depending on the event. 

If something significant changes in your life, check your eligibility promptly rather than waiting for the next Open Enrollment period. 

See if you qualify for Medi-Cal 

Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round for eligible Californians. You don’t have to wait for Covered California’s annual Open Enrollment period to apply. 

A Covered California application can also help determine whether you qualify for Medi-Cal. 

Compare your health insurance options with Freeway Insurance 

Open Enrollment gives you a limited period to review Covered California plans and choose coverage for the coming year. 

Before enrolling, compare more than the monthly premium. Consider your deductible, out-of-pocket costs, medications, preferred doctors, and how often you expect to use health care services. 

You may also qualify for financial assistance that lowers the cost of eligible coverage. 

Freeway Insurance can help you review your health insurance options and find coverage that fits your needs and budget. 

Call us at 877-423-1508 or find your nearest Freeway Insurance location to speak with an agent about your health insurance options. 

Frequently asked questions 

When is the Open Enrollment period for Covered California? 

For 2027 coverage, Covered California Open Enrollment runs from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027. 

If you enroll by December 31, 2026, your coverage can begin January 1, 2027. If you enroll in January before the January 31 deadline, coverage generally begins February 1. 

What happens if I miss the Open Enrollment period? 

You may still be able to enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period after certain life events, such as losing qualifying health coverage, getting married, having a child, or experiencing another eligible change. 

Medi-Cal enrollment is also available year-round for people who qualify. 

Can I get financial assistance to help pay for my Covered California plan? 

You may qualify. 

Covered California offers financial help to eligible households, including premium tax credits that can reduce monthly premiums. Some households may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs when enrolled in an eligible Silver plan. 

Eligibility and the amount of assistance depend on your household circumstances. 

Who is eligible to enroll in Covered California? 

People who live in California can apply through Covered California to see what coverage they’re eligible for. 

Eligibility for a Covered California health plan, financial assistance, or Medi-Cal depends on factors including income, household size, immigration status, and access to other coverage. 

Because federal eligibility rules can change, check your current eligibility when you apply. 

Can I change my health insurance plan during Open Enrollment? 

Yes. Open Enrollment allows current Covered California members to review available plans and change their coverage for the coming year. 

Compare premiums, deductibles, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and other costs before deciding to renew your existing plan or switch to another option.