Your Health, Your Choice: 2025 Covered California Open Enrollment

Health coverage is important to protect your and your family’s health. Whether you need a check-up, get sick, or have an accident, health insurance helps pay for your medical care. Some people may be eligible for health insurance through their employer or Medicare. If not, you can apply for coverage through Covered California to select a health plan that fits your needs and budget.

Why You Need Health Insurance

The law requires most people to have health insurance. But even more importantly, having insurance helps you stay healthy through preventive care and regular check-ups. With insurance, you may pay less for doctor visits and medications. It also protects you from huge medical bills if you have an emergency, easing the stress of unplanned medical costs.

What to Look for in a Health Plan

A qualified health plan is a health insurance plan that meets the requirements set by the Affordable Care Act. They include doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency services, and prescription drugs. Behavioral health, pregnancy care, and preventive care are also covered. 

Before choosing a plan, think about:

• How much you spent on healthcare last year
• Which doctors you want to keep seeing
• What medications you take
• How much you can afford to pay monthly

How to Apply for Coverage

You have a few ways to sign up for health insurance:

• Online through Covered California
• By phone with Covered California by calling 800-300-1506
• Through a licensed insurance broker
• By mail
• In-person at an enrollment center

Important Dates to Remember

• November 1, 2024: Covered California open enrollment starts
• December 31, 2024: Last day to enroll through Covered California, with coverage beginning January 1, 2025
• January 31: Open enrollment for Covered California ends; coverage begins February 1, 2025

Special Enrollment

Even if you can’t enroll during open enrollment, you might qualify for a special enrollment period if you have a major life event. A qualifying life event includes life changes like:

• Getting married
• Having a baby
• Moving to a new area
• Losing other health coverage
• Changing jobs
• Turning 26 years old

Visit Covered California for a complete list of qualifying life events. 

Get Help

Don't wait until the last minute to enroll. If you need help applying for health insurance through Covered California:

• Call Covered California at 800-300-1506 or visit coveredca.com
• Talk to a local insurance broker
• Visit a local enrollment center 

Remember, having health insurance protects your health and your wallet. Take time to compare plans and find coverage that works for you and your family.

Find out more about our Covered California Plans

Valley Health Plan offers some of the lowest-cost plans in Santa Clara County. With a growing, high-quality network of providers, a wide choice of pharmacies, and friendly, local staff, see why VHP is one of the best options for you and your family. Learn more here.