What to do when life changes your coverage

Get the actual coverage end date in writing. Ask about a spouse’s employer plan, COBRA and the Marketplace. Compare any employer COBRA subsidy, deductible already met and treatment in progress. Employer-plan special enrollment can use different, shorter deadlines, so contact that benefits office promptly.

Ask the current plan when dependent eligibility ends; do not assume it is your birthday. The timing can differ between employer and Marketplace coverage. Confirm replacement options through your employer or the Marketplace before the last covered day.

Marriage may qualify subject to prior-coverage rules. Divorce alone generally is not enough if coverage continues. Birth, adoption and foster placement have special coverage-date rules. Confirm each person’s options and report household changes to the Marketplace when applicable.

Check whether your current network and plan service area will still work. A qualifying permanent move usually requires prior coverage, with exceptions. A vacation or move only for treatment is not the same event. Ask the Marketplace which documents to provide.

Separate your retirement date, employer coverage end date and expected Medicare start. A younger spouse may need a longer bridge.

Update your Marketplace application when relevant details change. Recheck the plan and any savings through the Marketplace; do not assume last year’s estimate still applies.