Covered California’s annual open-enrollment period doesn’t begin until Nov. 1, but if you are uninsured, you may still be able to get the health coverage you need.
Those who are eligible can sign up for coverage through Covered California’s special-enrollment period, between now and Oct. 15, as long as they do so within 60 days of a “qualifying life event.” The following circumstances are among the more common reasons people become eligible for special enrollment:
- They lose their health coverage because they have lost or changed jobs.
- They get married or enter a domestic partnership.
- They have a baby, adopt a child, or place a child for adoption or in foster care.
- They move and gain access to new Covered California health insurance plans that were not available where they previously lived.
- They become a citizen, a U.S. national, or a lawfully present individual.
Make sure you take advantage of the financial help available to you and your family. During the 2018 open-enrollment period that closed Jan. 31, the 85 percent of Covered California enrollees who receive subsidies saw their cost of coverage dropping 11 percent in 2018 over the previous year. Nearly 60 percent of subsidy-eligible enrollees have access to Silver coverage for less than $100 per month, and 74 percent can purchase Bronze coverage for less than $10 per month.
For more information on special-enrollment rules, visit: www.CoveredCA.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment.
Those who qualify for Medi-Cal may enroll through Covered California year-round.
Eligible consumers who are interested in signing up should go to www.CoveredCA.com where they can get help to enroll. They can also get free and confidential enrollment assistance by visiting www.coveredca.com/find-help/ and searching among 800 storefronts statewide, or more than 17,000 certified enrollers who can assist consumers in understanding their choices and enrolling, including individuals who can assist in other languages. In addition, consumers can reach the Covered California service center by calling (800) 300-1506.
