Moving & Health Insurance: What Californians Need to Know

Moving is a huge challenge. And if you're changing your zip code, this could also mean changes to your health insurance. That is, the same doctors, health care providers, or even your current health plan may no longer be practical.

Because moving is considered a qualifying life event, like getting married or having a child, you can now change or apply for new coverage. This is called special enrollment. Read on to learn more.

How to Qualify for Special Enrollment

Normally, the only time you can change or enroll in a health plan is during open enrollment. However, your move may be considered a qualifying life event, giving you access to special enrollment. If you qualify, you have 60 days from the date of your move to apply for coverage.

For your move to qualify, it must meet one of the following criteria: Either you moved to California from another state or country, or you moved within California, and at least one health plan is available in your new area that wasn’t available at your previous residence.

How to Apply for Coverage

Start your search with Covered California. We are a free service from the state that connects Californians to brand-name, quality health insurance as well as financial and enrollment help for those who need it. Here’s how to apply for coverage.

Step 1: Find a health plan

Begin with our Shop and Compare tool, where you can easily view and filter health plan options based on how frequently you visit the doctor, your prescription needs, cost, and more. All of our plans are from brand-name insurance companies and include essential health benefits such as preventive care and emergency services. Plus, we have free support to help you navigate your options.

You may even qualify for financial help to pay for your health insurance. You could get a plan for $10 a month or even less. In fact, 9 out of 10 enrollees receive financial help and no matter how much you make, you won’t pay more than 8.5 percent of your household income for a benchmark Silver plan.

Step 2: Gather necessary paperwork

Before you apply for a new health plan, make sure you have these items handy:

• Social Security numbers for every household member who will need coverage

• For non-citizens, immigration documents like “A” numbers, USCIS numbers, or arrival/departure document numbers

• Employer and income information for all household members, such as pay stubs, proof of unemployment benefits, and your employer’s address

• Federal tax returns for all household members

Step 3: Apply for health coverage

The fastest way to submit your application is through Covered California’s website. If you have questions or need assistance, free expert help is available.

In order to complete your application, you may be asked to submit verification of your move by providing copies of one of the following:

• Official U.S. Post Office postcard or email confirmation of your change of address request

• California driver’s license or identification card with your name and new address

• Change of Address Certificate Card (DL 43) from the Department of Motor Vehicles

• A bill, bank statement, signed rental agreement or pay stub with your name and new address

If you don’t have any of the above items to verify your move, don’t worry. There are other ways to prove that you’re now in a new zip code. You can send Covered California a signed letter that shows the date of your move, your previous address, your new address, and the reason why you can’t supply the above documents. This signed letter must contain both of the following statements:

• “I cannot obtain a document to prove the move.”

• “I declare under the penalty of perjury, under the laws of the State of California that, to the best of my knowledge, what I stated above is true and correct.”

Once you find a plan through Covered California, don’t delay. Remember, you only have 60 days from the date of your move to get health coverage during special enrollment.

Start your application for health coverage now through Covered California.