01 — Individual & family health plans
Covered California enrollment periods
Open Enrollment is the main annual window when individuals and families can apply for or change Marketplace coverage. It is from November 1st to January 31st every year.
Outside Open Enrollment, a qualifying life event—such as losing job-based coverage, moving, getting married, or having or adopting a child—may create a Special Enrollment Period. Most Covered California special enrollment windows last 60 days.
For 2026 coverage, Covered California’s open-enrollment deadline was January 31, 2026. New plan-year dates should be checked when they are announced.
02 — Medicare (red, white and blue card)
Key Medicare enrollment periods
01
Initial Enrollment Period
Usually, it is within the three months, the current month, and the last three months before you turn 65. This spans a total of 7 months. If you meet the eligibility criteria for participating in medical insurance for some other reason, the specific time period may vary.
02
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15–December 7 each year: join, drop or switch Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for January 1.
03
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
January 1–March 31: people already in Medicare Advantage can make one allowed plan change or return to Original Medicare.
04
General or Special Enrollment
Part B General Enrollment runs January 1–March 31. Special periods may apply after qualifying employer coverage or other events.
03 — Next steps
Choose the correct path before applying
