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Major Life Changes

If you’ve had a major life change, you may be able to get health insurance through Covered California, even outside of open enrollment. Find out if a recent life change lets you sign up for coverage now.

What is a Major Life Change?

A major life change — also called a qualifying life event — lets you enroll in a Covered California health insurance plan or change your current plan outside the regular open enrollment period. This is known as a special enrollment period.

Not sure if you qualify? You can still apply. Covered California will review your application and let you know what you are eligible for.

Common Major Life Changes

These are the most common life changes that qualify for special enrollment. Not sure if your situation counts? Get help from us. You can also apply regardless. Covered California will review your application for Covered California plans, Medi-Cal, and other programs.

  • Lost or Will Lose Health Insurance

    • Lost health insurance through your job
    • Lost Medi-Cal coverage
    • Lost student health coverage
    • COBRA coverage ended
    • Aged off a parent’s or child-only plan

  • Family or Household Changes

    • Got married or entered a domestic partnership
    • Had a baby, adopted a child, or began foster care
    • Got divorced or legally separated
    • Had a death in the household that affects coverage

  • Moved to or Within California

    • Moved to California from another state
    • Moved within California and plan options changed

  • Status Changes

    • Gained citizenship, national status, or lawful presence
    • Lost coverage after military service
    • Lost coverage tied to military service

  • Changes to Existing Enrollment

    • Lost financial help after an income change
    • Lost financial help after a household change
    • Lost coverage after a household member died

How Long You May Have to Act

Situation
Situation
When to Act
What to Consider
Marriage, divorce, domestic partnership, or a death in your household
Within 60 days of the event
Coverage typically starts the first of the month after you choose a plan
Lost job-based coverage
60 days before or after your coverage ends to apply.
Apply before coverage ends to avoid a gap
Lost Medi-Cal coverage
Within 90 days of your Medi-Cal ending
Covered California may automatically select a plan for you
Moved to or within California
Within 60 days of moving. You may be able to report your move before it happens.
Coverage start date may depend on your move date
Released from jail or prison
Within 60 days of your release.
Coverage typically starts the first of the month after your release date or plan selection, whichever is later
Birth, adoption, or foster placement
Within 60 days of the event
Coverage start options may vary; Covered California will show your date after you apply

What To Do Next

If You Are New to Covered California

If you recently had a major life change, you can shop and compare plans and see if you qualify for before you apply.

If You Already Have Covered California

If your income or household changes, sign in to your account and report the change. Updating your information helps keep your and plan options correct.

Not sure if you qualify?

Apply anyway. Covered California will review your application for Covered California plans, Medi-Cal, and other programs. You can always find free local help from a certified enroller.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore your options and find out what to do after a major life change.

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Questions About Major Life Changes

More Help with Enrollment

Find the right next step based on what you need.

  • Learn About Eligibility

    Find out who may qualify for Covered California or Medi-Cal and what information you will need.

  • Get Free Local Help

    A certified enroller can help you apply, compare plans, and understand your options — at no cost to you.

  • Manage Your Account

    Already enrolled? Sign in to report a change, update your information, or review your plan.