On March 23, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is extending access to a special enrollment period (SEP) through Exchanges on the federal www.HealthCare.gov platform due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Originally available through May 15, 2021, the extended SEP provides three additional months for enrollment, allowing eligible individuals to enroll in Exchange coverage through Aug. 15, 2021.
Healthcare Exchange Special Enrollment Provided Due to COVID-19
Starting on Feb. 15, 2021, and continuing through May 15, 2021, Exchanges using the www.HealthCare.gov platform will make a Special Enrollment Period available to all Exchange-eligible consumers who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application. The Exchange website for California consumers is www.CoveredCA.com
California Responds to COVID-19 Emergency by Providing Path to Coverage for Millions of Californians
Effective immediately, anyone uninsured and eligible to enroll in health care coverage through Covered California can sign up through the end of June.
The Department of Health Care Services announces new steps to help those eligible for Medi-Cal sign up easily and get immediate coverage.
The moves come amid widespread disruption in the lives and livelihoods of Californians as public health officials seek to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
All medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 are free of charge, and all health plans available through Medi-Cal and Covered California offer telehealth options.
These actions build on increased state subsidies and the implementation of a state penalty, both of which took effect in January 2020.