Key Dates for Covered California

November 1, 2016

Open enrollment for Covered California starts on November 1. During open enrollment:

  • If you don't have individual health coverage, you can apply for it. Depending on your income and family situation, you may qualify for public health coverage like Medi-Cal or for help paying for a private plan through tax subsidies.
  • If you already have health coverage through Covered California, you can choose which plan you want for 2017. Even if you don't want to change plans, it's good to log in and check that your income and other information are up-to-date. If anything has changed, your tax subsidies could go up or down, or you might qualify for other help.

Some important dates:

  • November 1, 2016: Open Enrollment begins. This is the first day you can apply for or change your coverage for 2017.
  • December 15, 2016: Sign up by December 15 if you want new coverage that begins on January 1, 2017. If you already get coverage and want to change plans, make any change by December 15 so that your changes happen on January 1.
  • January 1, 2017: 2017 coverage starts, if you are signed up by December 15.
  • January 31, 2017: The last day you can apply for 2017 coverage.

Read more about open enrollment on Covered California or get local help.