Losing job-based coverage is stressful, but you are not stuck. Losing a job is a qualifying life event, which means you can enroll in a new plan right now, often for far less than COBRA.
When you lose job-based coverage, you get a special enrollment period, usually about 60 days, to sign up for a new plan. A marketplace plan with a subsidy is often much cheaper than COBRA. Medicaid may also be an option if your income has dropped. The key is to act quickly so you do not have a gap.
Losing coverage opens a special enrollment period. With income-based subsidies, this is often the most affordable route, especially if your income dropped.
Often cheapestContinues your old plan, but you pay the entire premium plus a fee, which is usually expensive. Good if you want to keep the exact same plan and doctors short-term.
Same plan, higher costIf your income has dropped enough, you or your family may qualify for free or low-cost coverage that enrolls any time of year.
If income qualifiesCOBRA feels like the default because it is what HR mentions, but you pay 100 percent of the premium, which can be shocking. A marketplace plan is different. Because your income between jobs is often lower, you may qualify for a subsidy that makes a comparable plan far cheaper. Many people are surprised to find they can get solid coverage for a fraction of the COBRA price. Comparing the two side by side is the only way to know, and it costs you nothing.
Your special enrollment period after losing coverage is time sensitive, usually about 60 days from the date your job coverage ends. Miss that window and you may have to wait for open enrollment. That is why the smartest move is to check your options today, even if your last day was recent. We can confirm your enrollment window and get you covered quickly.
Yes. Losing job-based coverage triggers a special enrollment period, usually about 60 days, so you can enroll in a new plan right away. Medicaid is also available year round if your income qualifies.
Often yes. A marketplace plan with an income-based subsidy is frequently much cheaper than COBRA, since with COBRA you pay the full premium. We compare both for you at no cost.
Most special enrollment periods last about 60 days from the date your coverage ends. It is important to act quickly so you do not miss the window or have a gap in coverage.
A lower income can mean a larger subsidy on a marketplace plan, and it may qualify you or your children for Medicaid. Either way, coverage is likely more affordable than you expect.
Yes. That is exactly what we do. We put COBRA and marketplace options side by side with real prices so you can choose with confidence, free of charge.
Free help comparing COBRA alternatives and getting you enrolled fast.