By Kelsey Lindelof

Although Covered California’s open-enrollment period ended Jan. 31, the door is not closed to uninsured Californians who have experienced life-changing events like having a baby, losing health insurance that had been provided by their job or moving a long distance.

“Over the past two years, I’ve witnessed numerous patients who went years without properly treating health issues and seen them resolve it through the coverage provided by the Affordable Care Act,” said Dr. Stan Frencher, the medical director of surgical outcomes and quality at Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital in Los Angeles.

Frencher said the value in having health insurance is huge. And, while the window closed in January to enroll for coverage in 2016, thousands are finding they are still eligible to enroll during what is known as Covered California’s special-enrollment period.

Some of the most common life-changing events that make consumers eligible for enrollment year round are:

• Losing health coverage provided by an employer
• Getting married or entering a domestic partnership
• Having a baby or adopting a child
• Moving to California
• Becoming a citizen, national or lawfully present individual

Enrollment must take place within 60 days of the life event. The majority of consumers enrolled in plans through Covered California also receive significant financial help to lower their monthly premiums.

Those who experience any of the qualifying life events listed above can enroll in coverage immediately.

“The federal health reform law was a monumental step in providing quality health care to all Americans, not just those who could afford it,” Frencher said.

For special enrollment after a qualifying life event, consumers can enroll online at CoveredCA.com or call Covered California at 800-300-1506 for enrollment help. Covered California’s Certified Enrollment Counselors, Certified Insurance Agents, Certified Plan Based Enrollers or county eligibility workers also can help with special enrollment.

—Kelsey Lindelof is a staff services analyst for Covered California.