Health Insurance

15 When Can I Purchase Coverage? Usually, you can only purchase a new individual/family policy or make changes to your existing policy during California’s open enrollment period. That period usually begins during November and ends in January. Contact your insurer, licensed agent or the Department of Insurance for exact open enrollment dates. You can purchase or change coverage outside of open enrollment if you have a Qualifying Life Event including, but not limited to: • Lost or will soon lose your health insurance • Permanently moved to California • Had a baby or adopted a child • Got married or entered into a domestic partnership • Returned from active military service • Gained citizenship/lawful presence • Federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native For other qualifying life events, ask your insurer, licensed agent, or contact the Department of Insurance’s Consumer Hotline at (800) 927-4357 (HELP). You have sixty days from your qualifying life event to enroll or make changes to your policy. For example, if you adopt a child on June 1st, you will have until July 31st to enroll your child. If you miss this window, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period. When does my coverage start? It is important to pay attention to enrollment deadlines to avoid gaps in your coverage.