Health Insurance

16 If you are shopping for new coverage during the open enrollment period, your coverage will start on January 1st of the next calendar year. You do not typically have to pay your first month’s premium when you enroll. Your insurer, licensed agent, or Covered California can tell you exactly when your first payment is due. If you have a qualifying life event and are signing up outside of the open enrollment period, your coverage typically starts the first day of the following month. For example, if you sign up for coverage on May 5th, your coverage will start on June 1st. However, if you sign up after the 15th of the month, you may have to wait until the first day of the second month for your coverage to begin. For example, if you sign up on July 20th, your coverage may not begin until September 1st. Premiums • Your premium for individual health insurance depends on the type of plan you choose, your age, how many people are covered, and where you live. • Your premium can be increased yearly. It can also be increased if you or members of your family have a birthday and move into a new age group. • Premiums cannot be based on your race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or health status. Can I be denied coverage? Health insurers cannot refuse to sell you a policy even if you have a pre-existing condition or are currently sick. Can a policy limit services to people with pre-existing conditions? No Can an insurer charge me more because I have a pre-existing condition? No