Health coverage can branch between Covered California and Medi-Cal

Start with Covered California or the DHCS Medi-Cal application page. Either doorway can help when you do not know which program fits. Medi-Cal takes applications all year.

Covered California’s regular open enrollment runs from November 1 through January 31. Outside that window, you generally need a qualifying life event for special enrollment. You generally must apply within 60 days of that event.

Gather your income, address, household size, and any coverage or eligibility notice. Covered California says only the people applying need to give Social Security numbers. The same limit applies to citizenship or immigration information. Family members who are not applying do not need to give that information.

An estimate on the screen is not a final eligibility decision. Save your application confirmation. Reply to county or marketplace requests by the date on the notice. If you select a Covered California plan, pay the first premium to the health plan. A county handles Medi-Cal follow-up. Use the county contact on the notice when a deadline is close.

There is also a 2026 rule check. DHCS says changes that began January 1, 2026, can affect some applicants and renewals. Those changes involve enrollment and asset rules. Check the Medi-Cal Changes page and your county notice. Do not assume an older rule still applies.