What Happens If I Miss Open Enrollment?

You Have Options: Special Enrollment Periods

The Covered California open enrollment period for 2026 coverage ended on January 31, 2026. However, this doesn't mean you're out of options. California offers Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) that allow you to enroll outside of open enrollment if you experience certain qualifying life events.

What is a Special Enrollment Period?
A Special Enrollment Period is a time outside of open enrollment when you can sign up for health insurance if you experience specific life changes. These changes typically create an urgent need for coverage or affect your current coverage status.

Unlike open enrollment, which is available to everyone regardless of circumstances, Special Enrollment Periods are triggered by specific qualifying life events and typically require documentation to prove eligibility.

How Special Enrollment Periods Work

Special Enrollment Periods allow you to enroll in or change your Covered California health plan outside of the regular open enrollment period. Here's how they work:

Common Qualifying Life Events

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience any of these life changes:

Employment & Coverage Loss

• Lost job-based health insurance (layoff, termination, reduction in hours)
• Lost eligibility for employer coverage (no longer full-time)
• Aged off parent's plan (turned 26)
• COBRA coverage ended
• Lost Medi-Cal eligibility (income increased)

Family & Life Changes

• Got married or entered domestic partnership
• Got divorced or legally separated
• Had a baby, adopted a child, or placed child for adoption/foster care
• Death of a spouse or dependent

Residence Changes

• Moved to California from another state
• Moved to a new county within California (with different plan options)
• Became a U.S. citizen or lawfully present resident
• Released from incarceration

Income & Eligibility Changes

• Income decreased and now qualify for subsidies
• Income increased above Medi-Cal limits
• Became newly eligible for Covered California

The 60-Day Enrollment Window

Most qualifying life events give you a 60-day window to enroll in or change your Covered California health plan. This means you have 60 days from the date of the qualifying event to complete your application and select a plan.

When Does Coverage Start?

Your coverage effective date depends on when you enroll during your Special Enrollment Period:

• Enroll by the 15th of the month: Coverage starts the 1st of the following month
• Enroll after the 15th: Coverage starts the 1st of the month after next
• Loss of coverage exception: If you lost coverage, your new coverage can start immediately to avoid gaps

How to Prove Your Qualifying Event

To enroll during a Special Enrollment Period, you'll need to provide documentation that proves your qualifying life event occurred. Covered California may request these documents during or after your application.

Required Documentation by Event Type:

Documents can typically be uploaded directly through your online application, or you can mail or fax them to Covered California. Keep copies of all documents for your records.

What If I Don't Have a Qualifying Event?

If you missed open enrollment and don't have a qualifying life event, you have limited options for health coverage until the next open enrollment period:

Option 1: Check for Medi-Cal Eligibility

Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) has year-round enrollment. If your income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $20,783 for an individual in 2026), you may qualify for free or low-cost Medi-Cal coverage at any time.

Medi-Cal eligibility isn't restricted to open enrollment periods, so you can apply and enroll any time of year if you meet the income requirements.

Option 2: Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance plans can provide temporary coverage until the next open enrollment period. However, be aware:

• Short-term plans don't comply with ACA requirements
• They may exclude pre-existing conditions
• They don't qualify you for subsidies
• Coverage is limited compared to Covered California plans
• You'll still owe the California individual mandate penalty if you rely only on short-term coverage

Option 3: Community Health Centers

California has numerous community health centers that provide healthcare services on a sliding fee scale based on your ability to pay. While this isn't insurance, it can help you access care until you can enroll in Covered California.

Option 4: Wait for Next Open Enrollment

The next Covered California open enrollment period typically begins November 1 for coverage starting January 1 of the following year. Mark your calendar and plan to enroll as soon as open enrollment begins.