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Open Enrollment Dates Qualifying Life Events 2026 Rates & Savings Income Limits

How to Apply for Covered California in 2026

Applying for Covered California health insurance is fast, easy, and can be completed online in under 10 minutes. Our licensed agents provide free assistance to help you navigate the application process, compare plans, and maximize your savings.

Application Overview

The Covered California application process determines your eligibility for health insurance coverage and financial assistance. Here's what you need to know before you begin:

How Long Does It Take?

  • 10 minutes with an agent
  • 15-20 minutes on your own
  • 30+ minutes for families with multiple household members

Who Can Apply?

  • California residents
  • U.S. citizens or legal residents
  • Not incarcerated
  • Not eligible for Medicare or employer coverage

Financial Assistance Available

Most Californians qualify for subsidies that lower monthly premiums. During the application, you'll find out if you're eligible for:

  • Premium Tax Credits: Reduce monthly costs
  • Cost-Sharing Reductions: Lower deductibles and copays
  • Medi-Cal: Free or low-cost coverage
  • APTC Enhancements: Additional subsidy support

Pro Tip: A family of four earning up to $120,000 can qualify for subsidies in 2026!

Documents You'll Need

Having these documents ready before you start will make the application process much faster:

  • Social Security Number for each household member applying
  • Birth dates for all household members
  • Current address and county of residence
  • Email address and phone number

Your information is secure and used only to determine eligibility and enrollment.

Provide documentation for ALL household income sources:

Employed Individuals:

  • Recent pay stubs (last 2-3)
  • W-2 forms from last year
  • Employer contact information

Self-Employed:

  • Previous year's tax return
  • Current year profit/loss statement
  • 1099 forms

Other Income:

  • Social Security statements
  • Pension/retirement income
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Rental property income

Investment Income:

  • Interest and dividend statements
  • Capital gains documentation
  • Brokerage account statements

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need:

  • Immigration document number (Document Type, I-94 number, passport number, etc.)
  • Green Card or other legal status documentation
  • DACA status documentation (if applicable)

Note: Lawfully present immigrants may qualify for Covered California plans. DACA recipients became eligible starting January 1, 2025.

If you or a household member has access to employer-sponsored health insurance:

  • Employer name and contact information
  • Cost of employer coverage for employee-only plan
  • Cost of family coverage (if applicable)
  • Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) document

Don't Have All Your Documents?

No problem! Our licensed agents can help you:

  • Estimate income if you don't have exact figures
  • Determine which documents are most important
  • Complete your application and submit missing documents later
  • Navigate complex situations like self-employment or multiple income sources
Get Free Help from an Agent

2 Ways to Enroll in Covered California

Choose the enrollment method that works best for you - with expert help or on your own:

Method 1: With a Licensed Agent (Recommended)

Most Popular

Get personalized help from a licensed insurance agent at no cost to you.

Benefits:

  • Fastest: Complete in ~10 minutes
  • Expert guidance: Navigate complex situations
  • Plan comparison: Find the best plan for your needs
  • Maximize savings: Ensure you get all available subsidies
  • Ongoing support: Help throughout the year
  • 100% free: No fees or charges ever

How It Works:

  1. Click "Start Application" below
  2. Agent gathers your information
  3. Review plan options together
  4. Enroll in your chosen plan
  5. Receive confirmation instantly
Start With an Agent

Method 2: Apply Online Yourself

Fast & Easy

Complete your application independently through our secure online enrollment portal. Simple, straightforward, and available 24/7.

Benefits:

  • Available 24/7: Apply anytime, from anywhere
  • Self-paced: Take as much time as you need
  • Complete privacy: Apply on your own schedule
  • Save & return: Resume later if needed
  • Secure: Encrypted data protection
  • Instant results: See your subsidy eligibility immediately

Perfect For:

  • Tech-comfortable applicants
  • Simple household situations
  • Single or straightforward income
  • Have all documents ready
  • Prefer doing things yourself
Apply Online Now

Which Method Should You Choose?

Your Situation Best Method
Want the fastest enrollment (~10 minutes) With an Agent
Self-employed or multiple income sources With an Agent
Need help comparing plans and maximizing savings With an Agent
Complex household or questions about eligibility With an Agent
Simple situation with all documents ready Online Yourself
Prefer to apply on your own schedule (24/7 access) Online Yourself
Comfortable with online forms and tech Online Yourself
Want complete privacy while applying Online Yourself

Remember: Both methods are completely free and will get you enrolled in the same plans at the same prices. Choose whichever feels most comfortable for you!

Step-by-Step Online Application Guide

Follow these steps to complete your Covered California application online:

1 Create Your Account

What you'll do:

  • Visit our enrollment portal
  • Click "Create Account" or "Apply Now"
  • Enter your email address and create a password
  • Verify your email address

Time: 2 minutes

2 Add Household Members

What you'll do:

  • Enter your name, birth date, and Social Security Number
  • Add spouse, dependents, and other household members
  • Specify who needs coverage
  • Indicate relationships (spouse, child, etc.)

3 Report Income Information

What you'll do:

  • Enter employment information for each household member
  • Report wages, salary, and tips
  • Include self-employment income
  • Add other income sources (Social Security, pensions, investments, etc.)
  • Estimate your 2026 income

Income Estimation Tips:

  • Start with your 2025 income
  • Adjust for raises, job changes, or reduced hours
  • For self-employed: Use net income (after expenses)
  • Include all taxable income
  • Don't include gifts, child support, or most need-based benefits

Time: 5-8 minutes

4 Answer Eligibility Questions

What you'll do:

  • Confirm California residency and citizenship status
  • Report any access to employer health insurance
  • Indicate if anyone is eligible for Medicare or Medicaid
  • Disclose any incarceration status
  • Provide tax filing information

Time: 3-5 minutes

5 See Your Results & Subsidy Amount

What you'll see:

  • Eligibility determination (Covered California or Medi-Cal)
  • Subsidy amount you qualify for
  • Estimated monthly premium after subsidies
  • Cost-sharing reduction level (if applicable)

6 Compare and Choose Your Plan

What you'll do:

  • Browse available health plans in your area
  • Filter by metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
  • Compare monthly premiums, deductibles, and copays
  • Check if your doctors are in-network
  • Review prescription drug coverage
  • Select your preferred plan

Need Help Choosing?

Plan selection can be overwhelming. Consider:

  • Your health needs: Frequent doctor visits? Choose lower copays.
  • Your budget: Balance monthly premium vs. out-of-pocket costs
  • Your doctors: Ensure they're in-network
  • Your prescriptions: Check drug formulary

Read our guide: How to Choose a Health Plan

7 Review and Submit

What you'll do:

  • Review all information for accuracy
  • Read and accept terms and conditions
  • Sign electronically
  • Submit your application

8 Complete Enrollment & Pay First Premium

What you'll do:

  • Receive enrollment confirmation
  • Get instructions for first premium payment
  • Set up payment method with insurance carrier
  • Pay your first month's premium (required to activate coverage)

What Happens Next:

  • Insurance carrier sends welcome packet (7-10 days)
  • Receive insurance card in mail
  • Can use temporary ID immediately for urgent care
  • Coverage starts on effective date

Skip the Hassle - Let an Agent Help

Licensed agents complete all 8 steps WITH you in ~10 minutes. No forms to fill out yourself!

Get Started

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent errors that can delay your enrollment or affect your subsidy:

Underestimating Income

The Problem: If you underestimate your income, you may receive too much subsidy and owe money back at tax time.

The Solution: Be conservative with income estimates. Include ALL sources: wages, self-employment, investments, rental income, alimony, etc.

Forgetting Household Members

The Problem: Not listing all household members affects subsidy calculations and eligibility.

The Solution: Include EVERYONE in your household, even if they don't need coverage. This includes dependents, spouses, and anyone you claim on taxes.

Missing the First Premium Deadline

The Problem: Your enrollment is not complete until you pay the first premium. Miss the deadline and your coverage won't start.

The Solution: Pay immediately after enrollment. Set up autopay to avoid future missed payments. Note payment deadlines in your calendar.

Not Updating Income Changes

The Problem: Income changes during the year (job change, raise, unemployment) affect your subsidy. Not reporting can cause issues at tax time.

The Solution: Report income changes within 30 days. This adjusts your subsidy in real-time and prevents tax season surprises.

Choosing the Wrong Metal Tier

The Problem: Selecting based solely on low premium without considering deductibles and copays can cost more overall.

The Solution: If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, choose Silver plans. If you use healthcare frequently, higher metal tiers save money. Ask an agent for guidance.

Not Checking Doctor Networks

The Problem: Enrolling in a plan where your doctors aren't in-network means higher costs or finding new providers.

The Solution: Before selecting a plan, verify your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals are in-network. Use carrier provider search tools.

Missing the Enrollment Deadline

The Problem: Applications submitted after January 31, 2026 won't be processed unless you have a qualifying life event.

The Solution: Don't wait until the last minute. Apply early in the open enrollment period. If you miss it, check if you qualify for special enrollment.

Ignoring Renewal Notices

The Problem: Not reviewing and updating your renewal application can result in wrong subsidy amounts or plan auto-enrollment.

The Solution: Pay attention to renewal notices in October/November. Review and update your application every year, even if nothing changed.

Application Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding when your coverage starts depends on when you apply and when you pay your first premium:

Application Submitted By First Premium Paid By Coverage Starts
15th of the month Premium deadline (typically 20th-23rd) 1st of next month
16th-31st of the month Premium deadline (typically 20th-23rd of next month) 1st of month after next
During open enrollment before Jan 1 January 1 premium deadline January 1, 2026
January 1-15 January premium deadline February 1, 2026
January 16-31 February premium deadline March 1, 2026

After You Apply: What Happens Next

1

Immediate Confirmation

Within minutes of submitting

  • Receive confirmation email
  • Application number provided
  • Eligibility results shown
2

Premium Payment Instructions

Within 24 hours

  • Email from insurance carrier
  • Payment instructions and deadline
  • Member portal login credentials
3

Pay First Premium

By carrier deadline (typically 20th-23rd)

  • Make payment to insurance carrier
  • Payment methods: online, phone, or mail
  • Critical: Coverage doesn't start until payment received
4

Welcome Packet Arrives

7-10 business days after payment

  • Mailed to your address
  • Includes insurance card
  • Policy details and benefits summary
  • Customer service contact info
5

Coverage Begins!

On your effective date

  • Start using your benefits
  • Temporary ID available online immediately
  • Physical card arrives in mail
  • Access provider network and prescriptions

Renewing Your Coverage Each Year

If you already have Covered California, you'll need to renew every year during open enrollment. Here's how renewal works:

Renewal Notices

When: October-November each year

What you'll receive:

  • Annual eligibility notice by mail and email
  • Your current plan and rate for next year
  • Instructions to review and update info
  • Deadline to make changes

What You Need to Do

Required actions every year:

  • Review your renewal notice carefully
  • Update income information for next year
  • Report household changes (births, marriages, etc.)
  • Review and select your plan
  • Submit updated application

Don't Ignore Your Renewal!

Even if nothing in your life has changed, you MUST review and update your renewal application. Failure to do so can result in incorrect subsidy amounts, automatic plan enrollment, or loss of coverage.

The Renewal Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check for Renewal Notice

Log in to your Covered California account in October/November to view your renewal notice.

The system will pre-fill your information from last year.

Step 2: Update Your Information

Review and update the following:

  • Income: Estimate your income for 2026
  • Household size: Add new births, remove dependents who aged out
  • Address: Update if you moved
  • Contact info: Verify email and phone
  • Employer coverage: Report any new access to job-based insurance

Step 3: Review Plan Options

You have three choices:

  1. Keep your current plan (rates may change)
  2. Switch to a different plan from the same carrier
  3. Switch to a plan from a different carrier

Step 4: Confirm Your Selection

Submit your updated renewal application before the deadline.

You'll receive confirmation via email.

What If You Don't Renew?

Let an Agent Handle Your Renewal

Licensed agents review your renewal, update your information, and help you choose the best plan for next year - all at no cost.

Renew With Help Contact an Agent

Frequently Asked Questions

The application takes approximately 10 minutes with an agent or 15-20 minutes on your own for individuals. For families with multiple household members and income sources, it can take 30+ minutes. Having all your documents ready beforehand speeds up the process significantly.

Yes, you'll need Social Security Numbers for each household member applying for coverage. SSNs are used to verify identity and determine eligibility for subsidies.

Exception: Lawfully present immigrants without SSNs can apply using their immigration documents.

Absolutely! Self-employed individuals can and should apply for Covered California. You'll report your net self-employment income (income minus business expenses). Use your previous year's tax return as a starting point and estimate for the current year.

Licensed agents are especially helpful for self-employed applicants to ensure accurate income calculations and maximum subsidy eligibility.

You must report income changes within 30 days. Significant changes include:

  • New job or job loss
  • Raise or pay cut
  • Change in work hours
  • Starting or ending self-employment
  • Change in investment income

Reporting changes promptly adjusts your subsidy in real-time, preventing you from receiving too much or too little financial assistance (which would require repayment or credit at tax time).

Your coverage start date depends on when you apply and pay your first premium:

  • Apply by the 15th of the month: Coverage starts the 1st of next month
  • Apply between 16th-31st: Coverage starts the 1st of the month after next

Important: You must pay your first premium by the carrier's deadline for coverage to activate!

Nothing! It's 100% free. Licensed insurance agents are compensated by insurance carriers, not by you. You pay the same premium whether you apply on your own or with agent assistance.

Using an agent provides free expert guidance, faster enrollment, and ongoing support throughout the year - at no cost to you whatsoever.

You can change plans during:

  • Open Enrollment: November 1 - January 31, 2026 each year
  • Special Enrollment Period: Within 60 days of a qualifying life event (marriage, birth, job loss, etc.)

Outside of these periods, you generally cannot change plans unless you have a qualifying life event.

If you miss the January 31, 2026 deadline, you can only enroll if you have a qualifying life event, such as:

  • Loss of other health coverage
  • Marriage or domestic partnership
  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • Moving to California
  • Becoming a U.S. citizen

Learn more about qualifying life events and special enrollment periods.

No. Applying for and receiving Covered California health insurance does NOT affect your immigration status or your path to citizenship. Covered California is NOT a public benefit for "public charge" purposes.

However, applying for Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) may be considered in immigration determinations. If you have concerns, consult with an immigration attorney before applying.

Yes! You can include your spouse/domestic partner and all dependent children on one application. This is called a "family application" and is the most common way to apply.

Everyone in your household who needs coverage will be on the same application, and you can choose different plans for different family members if desired.

Ready to Apply for Covered California?

Licensed agents help you complete your application in under 10 minutes - totally free! Get personalized plan recommendations, maximize your savings, and enroll fast.

  • 100% free assistance
  • Expert guidance on plan selection
  • Maximize your subsidies
  • Ongoing support all year
Start Your Application

Open enrollment ends January 31, 2026