California open enrollment 2027: Jan 31 deadline.

California 2027 enrollment dates

Covered California runs the longest window in this set, to January 31, and uses the same two-step cutoff as New Jersey: a plan picked by December 31 starts January 1, and a plan picked in January starts February 1. Its own page also tells renewing customers they can keep their plan or choose a new one, and that a different plan or coverage level can cost less.

How to use the dates

Coverage generally starts on the first day of the month after you pick a plan, but only if you pick it by the cutoff. In California, a plan chosen on or before Dec 31, 2026 starts January 1, 2027, and one chosen after that and by Jan 31, 2027 starts February 1, 2027. The checker above applies only the cutoffs Covered California published; where a cutoff is not published it tells you to confirm rather than guessing.

Worked example

Someone who selects a plan on Dec 10, 2026 is before the Dec 31, 2026 cutoff, so coverage would start January 1, 2027. Someone who selects a plan on Jan 5, 2027 would be past the January 1 cutoff but within the Jan 31, 2027 window, so coverage would start February 1, 2027.

Limits of this guide

It reports published dates only. It does not check your eligibility, premiums or tax credits, and exchanges can change dates. See the ACA subsidy cliff calculator for income effects and the health plan comparison calculator to compare plan costs.

Other state exchanges compared

n/s = not stated on the page read. HealthCare.gov, used by states without their own exchange, shows "Enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage".

Frequently asked questions

Is the California deadline January 31 or December 31?

Both matter. Open enrollment on Covered California runs from November 1 to January 31. December 31 is the cutoff for coverage that starts January 1, 2027; an application in January starts coverage February 1, 2027.

Is Covered California the same as HealthCare.gov?

No. California runs its own state-based exchange, so its dates can differ from HealthCare.gov, which currently shows "Enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage" (read 2026-11-01).

What if I miss the California deadline?

After Jan 31, 2027 you generally need a qualifying life event and a special enrollment period to buy a marketplace plan. Medicaid is handled separately and may be available at other times if you qualify.

Do the dates on this page change?

Exchanges can extend or correct deadlines. This page reflects what Covered California published as of November 1, 2026; check the exchange link before you rely on a date.

Sources

• Covered California, Open Enrollment — Nov. 1 to Jan. 31; enroll by Dec. 31 for Jan. 1; enroll in January for Feb. 1 (read 2026-11-01)
• HealthCare.gov — "Enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage" (read 2026-11-01)