Covered California Open Enrollment 2027: Dates, Deadlines and How to Enroll
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Covered California Open Enrollment is the annual period when eligible Californians can enroll in a health insurance plan, renew their existing coverage or switch to a different plan for the upcoming year.
For 2027 health coverage, Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2026 and continues through January 31, 2027.
Quick answer: Covered California Open Enrollment for 2027 runs from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027. Enroll by December 31, 2026 for coverage beginning January 1, 2027. If you enroll during January, your new coverage generally begins February 1, 2027.
For a broader overview of available plans, costs, eligibility and financial help, see our complete guide to Covered California health insurance.
Covered California Open Enrollment 2027 Dates
| Important Date | What It Means |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2026 | Current Covered California members can begin renewing or switching their plans for 2027. |
| November 1, 2026 | 2027 Open Enrollment begins for eligible Californians. |
| December 31, 2026 | Enroll by this date for coverage beginning January 1, 2027. |
| January 31, 2027 | Covered California Open Enrollment ends. January enrollments generally begin February 1. |
These dates apply to Covered California individual and family health coverage. Medicare and employer-sponsored health insurance have different enrollment periods.
What Is Covered California Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the time each year when eligible Californians can enroll in individual or family health insurance through Covered California without needing a qualifying life event.
During Open Enrollment, you can:
- Enroll in Covered California for the first time
- Renew an existing Covered California plan
- Switch insurance companies
- Change health plans or metal tiers
- Update your household information
- Update your expected household income
- See whether you qualify for financial assistance
When Does Covered California Open Enrollment Start for 2027?
Open Enrollment for 2027 begins on November 1, 2026.
Current Covered California members can begin reviewing, renewing or changing their 2027 coverage starting October 1.
Even if you are satisfied with your current health plan, reviewing your 2027 options can be worthwhile because premiums, provider networks, benefits and available plans can change from one year to the next.
When Is the Deadline for January 1 Coverage?
To have Covered California health insurance beginning January 1, 2027, enrollment must be completed by December 31, 2026.
If you wait until January to enroll, your coverage generally begins February 1 instead.
If you need coverage for the entire 2027 calendar year, December 31 is therefore an important deadline.
When Does Covered California Open Enrollment End?
Covered California's 2027 Open Enrollment period ends January 31, 2027.
After Open Enrollment ends, you generally need a qualifying life event or another applicable enrollment opportunity to enroll in a Covered California health plan.
Examples of qualifying events can include losing other health coverage, getting married, having a baby or permanently moving.
Learn more in our guide to Covered California Special Enrollment and qualifying life events.
Who Can Enroll Through Covered California?
Covered California provides individual and family health insurance for eligible California residents who need coverage outside an employer, Medicare or another qualifying health program.
When you submit an application, your information is also used to determine whether you or members of your household may qualify for Medi-Cal.
It is possible for different members of the same household to qualify for different programs.
See our comparison of Covered California vs. Medi-Cal for more information.
What Information Do I Need to Enroll?
Having your household information ready can make the enrollment process easier.
Information you may need can include:
- Names and dates of birth for household members
- Home and mailing addresses
- Social Security numbers when applicable
- Immigration documentation when applicable
- Information about current health insurance
- Employer and income information
- Your expected household income for 2027
Income is especially important because it can affect whether you qualify for Medi-Cal or financial assistance through Covered California.
See what counts as income for Covered California and our 2027 Covered California income limits.
Can I Get Financial Help During Open Enrollment?
Yes. When you apply through Covered California, your household information is used to determine whether you qualify for financial assistance.
Depending on your eligibility, financial help can reduce your monthly premium and, in some cases, your deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket costs.
For 2027, California is also providing expanded state premium assistance to eligible consumers with household incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Read our guide to Covered California subsidies and financial help.
Should I Automatically Renew My Current Plan?
Automatic renewal can make it easier to maintain coverage, but it does not necessarily mean your current plan will remain the best option for you.
Health insurance can change from year to year. Before renewing, consider reviewing:
- Your new monthly premium
- Your available financial assistance
- Your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
- Doctor and hospital networks
- Prescription drug coverage
- Available plans in your area
A plan that worked well in 2026 may have different costs or benefits in 2027.
Are Health Insurance Plans Changing for 2027?
Yes. Plan availability and premiums can change each year.
Covered California announced that 12 health insurance carriers are expected to offer plans across California for 2027, although the carriers available to you depend on where you live.
For example, Molina Healthcare will no longer offer Covered California plans in northeast Los Angeles County or Orange County for 2027, while CalOptima Health is entering the Covered California marketplace in Orange County.
Because carrier and plan availability varies by region, reviewing your choices before renewing is important.
What if I'm Self-Employed?
Self-employed Californians can enroll through Covered California during Open Enrollment just like other eligible consumers.
The biggest difference is often estimating income. Covered California generally considers net self-employment income rather than simply using total business revenue.
Because business income can fluctuate, estimate your expected annual income as accurately as possible and update your account if your circumstances change.
See our guide to Covered California for self-employed Californians.
What Happens After I Enroll?
After selecting a health plan, you must pay the first month's premium to your insurance company for coverage to become effective.
Your insurance company will then send enrollment materials and a member identification card.
Do not assume that selecting a plan alone means your enrollment is complete. Make sure the insurance company receives your first premium payment by the required deadline.
What if I Miss Open Enrollment?
If you miss the January 31 deadline, you may still be able to enroll if you experience an eligible qualifying life event.
Special Enrollment is available for circumstances such as losing qualifying health coverage, getting married, having or adopting a child, or certain permanent moves.
Medi-Cal is different from Covered California Open Enrollment. Eligible Californians can apply for Medi-Cal throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Covered California Open Enrollment for 2027?
Covered California Open Enrollment for 2027 begins November 1, 2026 and ends January 31, 2027.
What is the deadline for Covered California coverage starting January 1, 2027?
Enroll by December 31, 2026 for health coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
What happens if I enroll in January 2027?
If you enroll during January, your Covered California health plan generally begins February 1, 2027.
Do I need to renew Covered California every year?
Existing members may be automatically renewed in many situations, but you should review your household information, expected income, financial assistance and available health plans each year.
Can I change Covered California plans during Open Enrollment?
Yes. Open Enrollment allows eligible consumers to switch health plans or insurance companies for the upcoming coverage year.
Can I enroll after January 31?
You may be able to enroll after Open Enrollment if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Medi-Cal enrollment is also available year-round for eligible Californians.
Need Help With Covered California Open Enrollment?
Choosing health insurance involves more than comparing monthly premiums. Provider networks, deductibles, prescriptions, financial assistance and household eligibility can all affect which option works for you.
California Benefits Insurance Center can help you compare your 2027 health insurance options and navigate the Covered California enrollment process.
Call 800-341-1165 or email health@californiainsurancecenter.com for assistance.
This article is for general informational purposes and does not guarantee eligibility for Covered California, Medi-Cal or financial assistance. Enrollment dates and program rules can change. Eligibility and coverage effective dates depend on individual circumstances and current program rules.