Key Dates for Covered California

October 15, 2019

Open enrollment for Covered California is starting on November 1, 2024. 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.
  • Tip: New state subsidies for private coverage will help people pay for private insurance plans on Covered California. They will especially help families that make between 400% and 600% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
• If you already have health coverage through Covered California, you can choose which plan you want for 2020. Even if you don't want to change plans, it's a good idea to log in and make sure that your income and other information are up-to-date, because if anything has changed, your tax subsidies could go up or down or you might qualify for other help.

Important: If you don’t have coverage during 2020, you might have to pay a tax penalty on your 2020 California taxes (due in April of 2021). If you have to pay it, the penalty will be 2.5% of your income or $850, whichever is greater.

Here are some important dates you should know:

• October 15, 2019: Open Enrollment begins. This is the first day you can apply for or change your coverage for 2020.
• December 15, 2019: Sign up by December 15 if you want new coverage that begins on January 1, 2020. 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, 2020: 2020 coverage starts, if you are signed up.
• January 31, 2020: The last day you can apply for 2020 coverage.

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