Recently, a message has been circulating in group chats saying, "Covered California's enrollment deadline is December 31 this year." I was surprised at first and checked the official site.

To get straight to the point, it's half true and half false. I think many people might be confused by this date, so I'll clarify.

According to the 2027 plan announcement materials released by Covered California in July, the open enrollment period is from November 1 to January 31, 2027, which means January 31 is the official end date for open enrollment.

So what about December 31? It's the deadline to enroll by December 31 if you want your coverage to start on January 1, 2027.

If you enroll in January, your coverage will begin on February 1. This means you would be without insurance for the month of January.

In fact, this structure is the same as last year. Last December, Covered California also advised that to receive full coverage for 2026, you needed to enroll by December 31.

But why did the phrase "it changes this year" come up? It's because there were discussions about federal-level regulatory changes mixed in.

The marketplace regulations confirmed by CMS for 2025 included a requirement to complete open enrollment by December 31 for the 2027 plans. However, this part was halted by a federal court in Maryland, and there have been reports of movements to address this with new regulations.

With the legal situation being so uncertain, it's understandable that rumors would arise. However, what we need to follow now is the official guidance from Covered California, which states the deadline is January 31.

For reference, other states using HealthCare.gov have different circumstances. If you have family living in another state, please make sure to check their deadlines.

I think there's something more important than the date debate: setting December 31 as "my deadline."

If you enroll in January and have a gap of coverage, just one visit to the emergency room could lead to costs that are hard to manage. From my experience in IT, I've learned that deadlines should always have a buffer.

Now let's talk about the 2027 premiums. Covered California announced a preliminary average increase of 9.9% for 2027.

Since KFF reported a national preliminary median of 14%, this is relatively low. Still, it's close to double digits, so honestly, it doesn't sit well with me.

On the bright side, 60% of enrollees will not see an increase in their monthly premiums. It's also reported that 26% can maintain a $0 monthly premium without changing their plans.

This is due to the federal enhanced subsidies. Congress did not extend this additional tax credit, which ends in late 2025.

This issue has divided opinions. Some oppose the extension due to financial burdens, while others demand it due to increased middle-class costs.

I tend to make judgments based on data, and the actual numbers from last season were quite significant. There were 235,055 new enrollees in 2026, and the cancellation rate for middle-class re-enrollees was 22%, double the previous year's 11%.

The California state government is partially filling that gap. In 2027, those with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line will qualify for state subsidies, which is $31,920 for a single-person household and $66,000 for a family of four.

Covered California expects over 500,000 enrollees to receive state subsidies in 2027. Many who were not eligible in 2026 will now qualify, so if you were denied last year, it's worth checking again.

If you live in Orange County, you also need to pay attention to changes in insurance providers. Molina Healthcare announced it will not offer plans in the Orange County area starting in 2027.

Instead, CalOptima Health will be entering the Orange County area. If you are currently on a Molina plan, don't just rely on automatic renewal; make sure to choose a new plan.

If you are an immigrant family, there's one more thing to note. Covered California has announced that the federal government has reduced subsidy eligibility for some legally residing immigrants.

The outcome may vary depending on your immigration status, so it's safest to consult a certified enrollment counselor or a Korean-speaking assistance center, especially if you find English documents daunting.

From my experience, using the Shop and Compare tool, you can get an estimated premium just by entering your income and zip code. It only takes about 10 minutes, so be sure to give it a try.

When choosing a plan, don't just look at the premium; check if your current doctors and medications are in the network. If you have medications or treatment plans involved, it's best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before making a decision.

To summarize, the official open enrollment ends on January 31, but if you want coverage starting on January 1, the real deadline is December 31. I would personally aim to finish everything before Christmas to enjoy the end of the year peacefully.

Don't get swayed by rumors; just check the official site once. That 10 minutes could protect you for the entire year ahead.