With time running out, Covered California announced new enrollment data and encouraged consumers to sign up for coverage before this year’s open-enrollment period ends.

As of Jan. 29, more than 240,000 consumers had newly signed up for health insurance through Covered California during the current open-enrollment period. In addition, more than 1.5 million Californians have renewed their coverage for another year.

“Open enrollment is coming to an end, and while we have thousands of people signing up every day, we know there are more out there who need to take action,” said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California. “Californians have until midnight on Jan. 31 to sign up for health coverage and get the protection and peace of mind that they deserve.”

Open enrollment is the one time of the year when consumers can sign up for coverage through Covered California without having to experience a qualifying life event. People who enroll by the deadline will have their plan start on Feb. 1.

“We urge anyone who needs health insurance to check out the options available to them,” Altman said. “Coverage is more affordable than ever this year because of the increased and expanded financial help that is now available. Regardless of your income, it only takes a few minutes to find out how affordable a health plan can be and what options are available in your area.”

As a result of the increased and expanded financial help made available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, two-thirds of Covered California enrollees can get comprehensive coverage for all of 2023 for $10 or less per month.

In addition to getting the peace of mind that comes with having quality health care coverage, signing up for health insurance could help people avoid paying a penalty when they file their state taxes. People who can afford health insurance but choose to go without it could face a penalty when they file their taxes with the California Franchise Tax Board in 2024. The penalty can be a minimum of $2,550 for a family of four.

“Californians shouldn’t have to worry about paying a tax penalty for not having health insurance, when they can get coverage that is more affordable than they think,” Altman said. “You can find out within just a few minutes which plans are offered in your area and how much financial help you can receive, so don’t leave money on the table.”

Consumers can easily find out if they are eligible for financial help and see which plans are available in their area by entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage into Covered California’s Shop and Compare Tool.

Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can visit www.CoveredCA.com or call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs.