What happens to my Covered California plan when I turn 65?

Question

Jeremy Harkins · Accepted Answer

When you become eligible for Medicare at 65, your Covered California plan does not automatically turn into Medicare or automatically cancel. You need to coordinate the transition.

If you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, you generally will no longer qualify for the financial help or premium tax credits that were lowering the cost of your Covered California plan.

The most important rule is: do not cancel your Covered California coverage until your Medicare enrollment has been approved and you have confirmed your Medicare effective date.

Once that date is confirmed, contact Covered California and have them schedule the Marketplace coverage to end so it transitions directly into Medicare without a gap in coverage.

Covered California recommends reporting your Medicare eligibility promptly and giving them advance notice when ending the plan.

If your spouse or other family members are younger than 65, they may be able to remain on Covered California even though you are moving to Medicare.

The goal is simple: confirm Medicare first, then coordinate the Covered California end date carefully so one coverage hands off to the other without leaving you uninsured.

Brianna Ford-Harris · Answer

Good Question. What will happen is once you become Medicare eligible, you will have an enrollment window of three months before you turn 65, your actual birth month, and three months after you turn 65 to enroll into Medicare without a late penalty. Now you will lose your subsidies or allowance that were provided that lowered the cost of your marketplace plan. 

If you have family members that are also currently covered and NOT turning 65, they are still allowed to remain on Covered California, you just remove yourself. You are responsible for canceling your policy through Covered California and transition to Medicare.

Brett Johnson · Answer

When you turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare, your Covered California plan does not automatically transition to Medicare. The two coverages need to be coordinated so your Medicare starts on time, and your Covered California coverage ends correctly.

If your spouse or other family members are younger than age 65, they can often remain on their Covered California plan while you transition to Medicare.

Because I'm certified with both Medicare and Covered California, I handle these transitions regularly. Timing is very important to avoid a gap in coverage.

Carly Cusack · Answer

You will want to check with your plan. Sometimes people on Medicaid opt to just have Medicare Part A and Part B with their Medicaid coverage and a stand alone Prescription Drug plan. Most often people have to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. You can do that 3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and three months after your birthday month. Calling your current plan would be a good place to start.

Answered by Carly Cusack on September 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in OR & WA

Answered by Carly Cusack Medicare Insurance Agent

Jorge Collado · Answer

Usually if you are entitled to medicare at age 65 you will have to apply for medicare and drop your coveredCA Marketplace Insurance.

What happens to my Covered California plan when I turn 65?

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What happens to my Covered California plan when I turn 65?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website