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6/19/2026 Bulletin from Covered CA

The final Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule

Quotit  Summary

issued in June 2025 changed the annual Open Enrollment period beginning with plan year 2027. Under that rule, all marketplaces were required to begin Open Enrollment no later than November 1 and end no later than December 31, with the period not to exceed nine weeks. That rule, along with a number of other federal policy changes, was challenged in federal court; while litigation was pending, Covered California teams were actively preparing for a shortened Open Enrollment period for the 2027 plan year.

On June 12, 2026, the federal district court in Maryland issued a ruling overturning the shortened annual Open Enrollment period requirement for the 2027 plan year. As a result, Covered California will return to its traditional three-month Open Enrollment period, beginning November 1 and continuing through January 31. This means consumers in California will continue to have the fullest possible opportunity to enroll in and maintain coverage for themselves and their families during the 2027 plan year.

Covered California will continue to monitor this litigation and any related federal developments closely and will share additional information as it becomes available.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (#FEMA)

1. Location/Impact: You lived in a declared disaster area, or your helper lived there, during the incident period.
2. Eligibility: You were eligible for a standard enrollment period (like Annual Enrollment) when the disaster struck.
3. Missed Election: You didn't make a plan choice during that time because of the disaster/emergency. [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Government Declaration: A federal, state, or local government entity must declare the disaster/emergency (e.g., FEMA).
• Duration: The SEP typically lasts for the emergency period plus an additional two months after the end of the incident period.
• Use on Applications: Use "SEP DST" as the election code for this special period when applying. [2, 3, 4, 5]

• Special Election Issues for Individuals Affected by Declared Emergencies and Disasters
  • FAQ's  CMS.gov
  • Enrollment Issues for Weather Related Emergencies and Major Disasters Questions and Answers for Medicare Beneficiaries
• Special Enrollment Periods for complex issues  Medicare.Gov
•  fema.gov/disaster
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Individuals Affected by a FEMA-Declared Weather-Related Emergency or Other Major isaster: Applicable for COVID-19
• Ritter GA
• HI 00805.383   CMS.gov
• FEMA  Declared Disasters  Search  tool  fema.gov
  • 

• Governor’s Proclamation (02/04/24)
• Governor’s Press Release (02/04/24)

Temporary Residence, #Permanent Move  & Covered California Eligibility

What does “#intends to reside” mean?

Can I enroll in Covered California if I am only temporarily living in California?

• A temporary visit to California for vacation, business, medical treatment, or personal reasons generally does not establish California residency for Covered California enrollment.
• The key question is whether you intend to reside in California and make California your home.
• If you move to California and intend to remain here, you may satisfy the residency requirement even if you recently arrived.
• If you leave California temporarily but intend to return, you generally remain a California resident for Covered California purposes.

Can I qualify for a Special Enrollment Period because I moved?

• A permanent move may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if the move gives you access to new health plans.
• Moving for a temporary purpose such as vacation, business, visiting family, or obtaining medical care does not normally qualify as a permanent move.
• Moving within the same service area may not qualify if no new health plans become available as a result of the move.

What if I split my time between California and another state?

• The answer depends on your specific facts and circumstances.
• If you maintain homes in multiple states, travel frequently, are a seasonal resident, or recently moved, we recommend reviewing the official regulations below and contacting us before enrolling.

Official References

• 45 CFR §155.305 – Residency Requirements
• 45 CFR §155.420(d)(7) – Permanent Move Special Enrollment Period
• ftb.ca.gov/1031 Guidelines for Determining Resident Status

• #CCR.10  California  Code of Regulations  §6504 Special Enrollment Periods ^{Cornel Law} 

Need help? Email [email protected] or schedule a Zoom meeting.

FAQ

Change more than one time within the 60 day period?

• Question If I lose Employer Coverage, enroll in Cal COBRA or COBRA, but want to get a private – direct individual plan or Covered CA, can I do that, if I decide within 60 days of losing coverage?
• Answer Here’s Blue Shields’ rule
  • a qualified individual, enrollee, or his or her dependent shall have 60 days from the date of a triggering event to select a QHP. § 6504. Special Enrollment Periods (f)
  • I don’t see anything limiting you to only have ONE choice! It may be difficult dealing with the “Rando’s” that don’t look up the law or rules…
• Question termination of employment….” does that include quitting a job?
• Answer Yes.
  • You can double check the actual CA law on the link above for § 6504. Special Enrollment Periods (f)