When Does My Covered California Coverage Start?

Effective Date Rules

Coverage always starts on the first day of a month. When your coverage starts depends on when you enroll:

2026 Enrollment & Coverage Start Calendar

Here's when your coverage starts based on your enrollment date during open enrollment:

Payment Deadlines

After enrolling, you must pay your first month's premium by the deadline for coverage to begin:

• Standard deadline: Premium due by the 23rd of the month before coverage starts
• January 1 coverage: Premium due by December 23 (or December 31 for some carriers)
• No payment = No coverage: If you don't pay, your enrollment is canceled

Payment Methods

• Online payment (credit/debit card, bank account)
• Mail a check to your insurance carrier
• Automatic monthly payments (recommended)

Set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a payment and lose coverage.

Special Enrollment Period Coverage Dates

If you're enrolling during a Special Enrollment Period (due to job loss, marriage, birth, etc.), coverage start dates work slightly differently:

Loss of Coverage

If you lost other coverage (job-based insurance, COBRA, Medi-Cal), your Covered California coverage can start the day after your old coverage ends—no gap required. You must enroll within 60 days of losing coverage.

Other Qualifying Events

For other qualifying events (marriage, birth, moving), standard rules apply:

• Enroll within 60 days of the event
• Coverage starts the 1st of the month following enrollment
• Or 1st of month after next if you enroll after the 15th

How to Avoid Coverage Gaps

A coverage gap means going without insurance, which can result in unexpected medical bills and tax penalties. Here's how to avoid gaps:

Losing Employer Coverage

• Know your last day of coverage (usually the last day of the month you lose employment)
• Enroll immediately when you lose coverage—don't wait
• Request backdated coverage to start the day after employer coverage ends

Switching Plans During Open Enrollment

• Your old plan automatically continues until December 31
• New plan starts January 1—no gap
• Make sure you pay the first premium for the new plan by December 23

Missing Payment Deadlines

• Set up automatic payments to avoid missed payments
• If you miss a payment, you typically have a 30-day grace period
• After grace period, coverage terminates and you may not be able to re-enroll until next open enrollment