Dates and Deadlines

Open enrollment happens during the fall. For 2021 coverage, the open-enrollment period is Nov. 1, 2020, through Jan. 31, 2021. 

Outside open enrollment, people who experience qualifying life events can apply during special enrollment. The most common change is loss of health insurance, usually due to a change in your job. Other changes include getting married, having a baby and moving to a new area. For most qualifying life events, you have 60 days from the date on which the qualifying life event happens to enroll in a Covered California health insurance plan or change your existing plan.

If you’ve recently experienced a qualifying life event, you can enroll at any time of the year. Medi-Cal enrollment is also year-round. Medi-Cal and Covered California use the same application. After you enter your information, you will find out whether you qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California. 

Pay Your Bill

After you pick a plan, select the Pay Now button to make your first payment. You’ll receive a membership ID card from your health insurance company after it receives this payment. If you visit the provider before you receive it, you may be asked to sign a statement agreeing to pay for the services if you can’t prove you have health insurance. 

It’s important to pay on time because if you don’t, you run the risk of having your plan canceled. If you decide not to pay online, you’ll get a bill from your health insurance company about two weeks after it receives your application.