California's state-based health exchange since 2013
Get a QuoteLearn when and how you can switch health insurance plans, whether during open enrollment or through a qualifying life event.
You can only switch plans during open enrollment (November 1 - January 31) or if you have a qualifying life event. Outside these periods, you're generally locked into your current plan for the year.
There are two main times you can switch your Covered California health plan:
November 1 - January 31
Year-round with qualifying event
Open enrollment is the easiest time to switch plans because:
Pick your new plan by December 31 for a January 1 start with no gap; a plan picked in January starts February 1.
Outside open enrollment, you can only switch plans if you have a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period:
You have 60 days from the qualifying event to switch plans. You'll need to provide documentation proving the event occurred.
A Covered California certified agent can:
Agent services are completely free—paid by carriers, not you.
Consider switching plans during open enrollment if:
Let a licensed agent compare plans and help you switch without any coverage gaps.
Compare all available plans and see which one fits you best.
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