COBRA is expensive and often not your best option. Losing coverage is a qualifying life event. Let's find coverage that actually fits your budget.
You have options, and a window to act.
When you lose employer coverage (or COBRA), you get 60 days to enroll in a new plan outside Open Enrollment. This special enrollment period (SEP) is your legal right. Don't miss it.
COBRA continues your employer plan but costs 102% of the premium: you pay your employee share plus the employer share plus a 2% admin fee. ACA marketplace plans are often cheaper, especially if you qualify for subsidies.
Losing coverage is a life event that can make you eligible for subsidies on marketplace plans. If your income is in the right range, subsidies can cut your premiums dramatically.
You have 60 days from the date your coverage ends to enroll in a new plan. Waiting until day 59 leaves you vulnerable. The sooner you act, the more time you have to find the right option.
What you need to know right now.
A special enrollment period is a time window (usually 60 days) when you can enroll in health insurance outside the regular Open Enrollment period. Losing employer coverage or COBRA qualifies you. Once your SEP ends, you're locked out until the next Open Enrollment unless another qualifying event happens.
No. COBRA is one option, but it's usually expensive. ACA marketplace plans are available to you during your 60-day SEP. If you qualify for subsidies, marketplace plans can be significantly cheaper than COBRA. Compare before you decide.
COBRA covers you for up to 18 months after you lose employer coverage (36 months in some cases, like divorce or death). But remember: COBRA is expensive. Don't assume you have to stay on COBRA the whole time.
No. ACA marketplace plans cannot deny you or charge more because of pre-existing conditions. Your health doesn't factor into approval or price. That's a real protection when you're between jobs or losing coverage.
Don't be. Your SEP covers you during the enrollment process, and new coverage can start as soon as the first of the next month. There's no mandate to be insured every day, but having continuous coverage protects you financially. Act within your 60-day SEP and you're fine.
Your 60-day SEP is time-limited. Answer a quick quiz about your situation and we'll show you your real options, including what subsidies might mean for your monthly cost.
Start the quiz → Or call 813-999-0101Learn more about your situation