If you would like to change your health insurance plan or enroll in a new plan with Covered California or through the insurance company directly, open enrollment will begin on November 15, 2014.

To change your plan for a January 1, 2015 effective date – you must apply between November 15 to December 15, 2014

To change your plan for a February 1, 2015 effective date – you must apply between December 16, 2014 to January 15, 2015

To change your plan for a March 1, 2015 effective date – you must apply between January 16 to February 15, 2015

If you remember last year’s open enrollment, the Covered California website was VERY slow and there were many, many issues with enrollments. We would highly recommend applying as early as possible and not waiting until the last minute if you want to be covered on time. Also, it will be likely that you will not have an ID # or plan change done in time for the effective date, so plan accordingly in getting your doctor’s office visits and RX’s refilled ahead of time. Covered California and the insurance companies do not have enough staff to handle open enrollment as we have seen this past year. 3 hour wait times to talk to insurance companies (for consumers or agents) was standard. While we hope some problems have been fixed, we are still convinced there will be multiple issues.

Lastly, if you will not be receiving a tax subsidy, it is our recommendation to NOT apply through Covered California as it adds an unecessary middle man to the equation. Applying directly to the insurance company will have you approved and with an ID number in hand a lot faster. However, if you will be receiving a subsidy, or are close to the income limits, our recommendation would be to apply through Covered California.

As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us.