Californian with no insurance

I'm a foolish 23 year old who never bothered to sign up for insurance after I was no longer covered by my family's plan. I haven't been to the dentist or to a general checkup in 3 years. Now I have some dental and general health concerns and I'm stressing out over our healthcare system. I was never really aware of the fact that I'd be fined for not having insurance and that I can't apply at any time. I just want to get coverage as soon as possible but I have so many questions. I've made about 18,000 so far this year(projected yearly was about 24,000) and just quit my job to work for doordash this week. (Not sure how much that's gonna pay yet)

I've never been fined for not having insurance. Will signing up alert the system that I haven't had insurance for the past 3 years and fine me this year? Will it only fine me for this year of all 3 years I haven't had insurance?

When open enrollment is here, can I apply even though I don't have any insurance? Will I have to pay the fine before I apply?

Is it at all possible for me to get insurance before open enrollment? (I can wait 2 months if I really need to but I'd rather not)

Any help is appreciated. All of the information on this system online is so jumbled and confusing.

submitted by /u/Poopwarrior1984
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