Qualifying Life Events
You may change or apply for health care coverage during an annual open enrollment period.
Outside of the open enrollment period, you can enroll or change your coverage only if you have experienced a situation known as a qualifying life event.
For example, if you get married, have a baby, or lose coverage because you lose your job – all qualifying life events – you will have a special enrollment period.
A special enrollment period lasts 60 days after the qualifying life event occurs. That means if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event, you have 60 days from the day of the qualifying life event to change or apply for health care coverage for yourself and/or your dependent.
Examples of Qualifying Life Events are:
- Loss of health care coverage due to job loss
- Gaining or becoming a dependent
- Permanent move so that you have different choices in health care plans
- Change in eligibility for federal financial assistance through Covered California
- Employer health coverage changes that impact your eligibility for federal financial assistance

Have you experienced a Qualifying Life Event?
We can help you choose the right coverage.
Find out how >