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Emergency Special Enrollment for 2026

California residents affected by state-declared emergencies may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to get health coverage through Covered California — even after open enrollment has ended.

Act Now: California residents affected by recent wildfires, storms, and other state-declared emergencies may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to get 2026 health coverage. Deadlines are approaching — check if you qualify below.

What Is an Emergency Special Enrollment Period?

When the State of California declares a state of emergency — such as for wildfires, storms, or mudslides — residents in the affected counties may become eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) through Covered California. This allows them to enroll in health insurance even though the annual open enrollment period has ended.

Unlike regular qualifying life events (such as marriage or job loss), emergency SEPs are triggered by government-declared disasters and are available to all eligible residents of the affected areas — even if they didn't previously have coverage.

Important: Emergency SEPs provide enrollment only through Covered California (on-exchange). You cannot use an emergency SEP to enroll directly through a carrier (off-exchange).

Current Emergency Special Enrollment Periods for 2026

The following state-declared emergencies have triggered Special Enrollment Periods. Check if your county is listed below:

State of Emergency Affected Area QLE Date Enroll By
LA County - Boyle Heights Fire Los Angeles County June 20, 2026 August 19, 2026 14 days left
Deadlines are approaching! Each emergency SEP has a specific end date. If you qualify, enroll as soon as possible to secure your 2026 health coverage.

Recently ended enrollment windows

The enrollment window for these emergencies has closed. If you missed a deadline, a different qualifying life event may still let you enroll.

State of Emergency Affected Area Window Closed
Orange County - Chemical Incident Orange County July 22, 2026 Closed
Arcata Fire City of Arcata June 16, 2026 Closed
Early January 2026 Storms Sonoma County June 16, 2026 Closed
Late December 2025 Storms Mendocino, Sonoma and Ventura Counties June 16, 2026 Closed
November 2025 Storm Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz Counties June 16, 2026 Closed
Late September 2025 Storm Imperial County June 16, 2026 Closed

This list is updated automatically from state emergency declarations. Last checked: August 5, 2026.

Who Qualifies for an Emergency SEP?

This qualifying life event (QLE) applies to individuals who meet all of the following criteria:

County Residence

You must reside in one of the counties listed in the emergency declarations table above.

Covered California Only

You must enroll directly through Covered California. Off-exchange (direct carrier) enrollment is not permitted under emergency SEPs.

Good to Know: You do not need to prove that you personally suffered damage or loss from the emergency. Simply residing in an affected county during the declared emergency period qualifies you for the SEP.

Common Scenarios Where This Applies

  • You missed open enrollment and live in an affected county
  • You lost your health coverage due to the emergency
  • You were displaced and couldn't enroll during the open enrollment period
  • You need coverage for the first time and live in a qualifying county

How to Enroll Through Emergency SEP

Follow these steps to enroll in health coverage through an emergency Special Enrollment Period:

1

Check Your Eligibility

Confirm you reside in one of the affected counties and that the SEP deadline has not passed.

2

Start Your Application

Begin your enrollment through Covered California. Use our free calculator to see your subsidy and plan options.

3

Select the Emergency QLE

During enrollment, indicate the emergency qualifying life event that applies to your situation.

4

Choose Your Plan

Compare available health plans and select the one that best meets your needs and budget.

5

Pay Your Premium

Make your first monthly payment to activate your coverage. Many enrollees pay $0-$10/month with subsidies.

Need Help Enrolling?

Our licensed insurance agents can guide you through the emergency enrollment process at no cost to you.

Speak with an Agent Calculate Your Subsidy

What You Need to Enroll

Have the following information ready when you begin your application:

Personal Information
  • Social Security numbers for all household members
  • Date of birth for each person enrolling
  • Current address in the affected county
Income Documentation
  • Most recent tax return or W-2s
  • Pay stubs from the last 30 days
  • Self-employment income records (if applicable)
Proof of Residence
  • Utility bill or lease showing affected county address
  • California driver's license or state ID
  • Bank statement with current address
Current Coverage Info
  • Previous insurance information (if any)
  • Employer coverage details (if applicable)
  • Medi-Cal or Medicare information (if applicable)
Lost Your Documents? If your documents were destroyed in the emergency, our agents can help you navigate alternative verification methods. Contact us for assistance.

Don't Miss Your Deadline — Get Covered Today

Emergency special enrollment periods are time-limited. Calculate your subsidy and find out how affordable health coverage can be for you and your family.

Calculate Your Subsidy Talk to an Agent