Health Coverage After Job Loss
Losing a job means losing health coverage, unless you know your options. We explain COBRA, marketplace plans, and your next steps.
60-day window
COBRA vs. ACA
Bigger subsidy
Losing a job means losing health coverage, unless you know your options. We explain COBRA, marketplace plans, and your next steps.
Losing job-based coverage starts a 60-day special enrollment window. Miss it, and outside open enrollment your options narrow sharply. Start comparing before your last day if you can.
Going uncovered "for a month or two" while job hunting is the most expensive gamble in insurance. One urgent care visit is affordable; one emergency room admission is not. There is nearly always a bridge option that costs less than the risk.
| Feature | COBRA | Marketplace | Spouse's Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keeps your exact plan and doctors | Yes | Only if new plan shares the network | No, new plan and network |
| Subsidy-eligible | No | Yes, often more with reduced income | No (employer-sponsored) |
| Typical cost | Full premium, often $600-$2,000/mo | Often far lower after subsidy | Varies by employer contribution |
| Enrollment window | 60 days from coverage loss | 60-day Special Enrollment Period | Typically 30 days on the spouse's plan |
| Best fit when | Mid-treatment and need continuity | No spouse plan available, or Marketplace is cheaper | Spouse's employer contributes meaningfully |
Need something to cover a brief gap before your new plan begins? Short term health insurance can bridge a few weeks, though it is not a substitute for a full plan. We will tell you honestly which route fits your situation.
Let our team find the right coverage for your situation. Professional guidance, no pressure.