When Can You Enroll in Health Insurance in California? (2026 Guide)

Health insurance enrollment in California isn’t open year-round. There are specific time periods when you can enroll, and missing them could leave you without coverage for months.

Whether you're enrolling through Covered California, selecting an individual plan, or setting up small business coverage, timing is critical.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

The Open Enrollment Period is the main time each year when individuals and families can enroll in or change health insurance plans.

Typical Dates:

November – January

You can confirm current dates here:
https://www.coveredca.com/support/before-you-buy/open-enrollment/

During Open Enrollment, you can:

• Enroll in a new plan

• Switch plans

• Add or remove dependents

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you miss Open Enrollment, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on certain life events.

Common Qualifying Life Events

You may qualify for Special Enrollment if you experience:

• Loss of employer health coverage

• Moving to a new area

• Marriage or divorce

• Birth or adoption of a child

• Changes in income

You can review qualifying events here:
https://www.coveredca.com/support/before-you-buy/qualifying-life-events/

How Long Do You Have to Enroll?

In most cases, you have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll in coverage.

Missing this window may require waiting until the next Open Enrollment period.

Enrollment for Self-Employed & 1099 Workers

Self-employed individuals and contractors follow the same enrollment rules:

• Enroll during Open Enrollment

• Or qualify through a Special Enrollment Period

California requires residents to maintain coverage, so it’s important to avoid gaps.

Learn more about California’s individual mandate here:
https://www.coveredca.com/learning-center/tax-penalty-details-and-exemptions/

Small Business Enrollment (2–50 Employees)

Small businesses have more flexibility.

Employers can typically:

• Start group coverage year-round

• Set renewal dates

• Adjust plans annually

This makes it easier for businesses to offer coverage when it fits their timeline.

Medicare Enrollment (Turning 65)

If you’re approaching 65, Medicare has its own enrollment period.

Initial Enrollment Period:

• 3 months before your 65th birthday

• Your birthday month

• 3 months after

Learn more here:
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up

Why Timing Matters

Missing enrollment deadlines can result in:

• Gaps in coverage

• Unexpected medical costs

• Tax penalties in California

Tips to Avoid Missing Enrollment

• Mark Open Enrollment dates

• Review your plan annually

• Update your information after life changes

• Work with a broker

Why Work With a Broker?

A broker helps you:

• Track enrollment deadlines

• Identify qualifying life events

• Compare plan options

• Complete enrollment correctly

And again:

There is no additional cost to work with a licensed broker.

Need help enrolling or reviewing your options?

Fill out the form below and one of our licensed broker will contact you directly for a discovery call.

No call centers. No chatbots. Just real help from a family-owned brokerage.

And there’s no additional cost to have a broker assigned to your plan.

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