Covered California has extended its open enrollment until May 15, following up on President Biden’s executive order extending sign-ups in the federal marketplace.
Enrollment had been scheduled to expire at the end of the month.
Similar to the steps Covered California took last year, the new special-enrollment period will the uninsured to sign up for coverage without needing to meet the normal qualifying life events, such as recent loss of coverage or moving.
“With this executive order the Biden-Harris administration have demonstrated their commitment to getting as many Americans needed health care,” Covered California chief Peter Lee said. “This marks a sea-change after four years of inaction and Americans across the country will benefit from this leadership.”
Lee added: “The pandemic and recession continue to be a painful reality, and Covered California is doing whatever it can to make sure people have every opportunity to sign up for health care coverage.”
California runs its own marketplace and is not directly affected by the Biden executive order, which covers 36 other states.
“Keeping the doors open at Covered California — and reopening them for millions of Americans across the country — is the right thing to do,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, the California Health and Human Services secretary and chair of the Covered California Board of Directors.
Last year, Covered California established a COVID-19 special-enrollment period from March 20 to Aug. 31.
Coverage begins Monday, Feb. 1, for those quick to act:
“You can still get coverage that takes effect in February, but time is running out,” Lee said. “Sign up by Jan. 31, pay your bill and you will have health care coverage that is effective for the whole month of February — now is not the time to go without insurance.”
Consumers who can afford health care coverage, but choose to go without, could pay a penalty when filing their state income taxes in 2022, Covered California added.
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