1. COBRA
COBRA lets you keep your employer's plan, usually for up to 18 months, but you pay the full premium plus an admin fee, without your employer's contribution. It keeps your same doctors and deductible progress, which can matter in the middle of treatment.
2. An ACA Marketplace plan
Losing job-based coverage usually opens a Special Enrollment Period: you generally have 60 days from losing coverage to pick a Marketplace plan. Depending on your new household income, you may qualify for a subsidy, which can make this the best option.
3. A private plan
Private plans can be applied for any time and are priced on age and health, not income. The ones I work with most are limited benefit plans, and coverage starts at least 7 days after enrollment once underwriting approves you, so it's worth starting early to avoid a gap.
Avoiding a gap in coverage
Find out the exact date your employer coverage ends, and line up the start date of whatever comes next. I'll help you compare all three options and set the timing so you're not uncovered.
Who it tends to fit
A private plan may fit
- Healthy households without a subsidy
- People between jobs who need coverage to start soon
- Anyone who missed the 60-day Marketplace window
A Marketplace plan is often better
- Anyone in the middle of treatment (consider COBRA)
- Households whose new income qualifies for a subsidy
- Ongoing health conditions or a planned pregnancy
Good to know: The private plans I offer are limited benefit policies (fixed indemnity). They pay set amounts for covered services, you're responsible for any costs above those amounts, and there's no out-of-pocket maximum. They aren't major medical insurance and aren't a substitute for ACA coverage. Pre-existing condition limitation: a condition you were diagnosed with, treated for or took medication for in the 12 months before your coverage starts isn't covered during your first 12 months.
Questions people ask
How long do I have to get health insurance after losing my job?
For an ACA Marketplace plan, you generally have 60 days from losing job-based coverage. COBRA elections have their own deadline, usually 60 days from your notice. Private plans can be applied for any time.
Is COBRA worth it?
It can be if you're mid-treatment or have met your deductible, since you keep the same plan. But you pay the full premium, so compare it with a Marketplace plan and a private plan first.
Can my coverage start right away?
Private plans I work with start at least 7 days after enrollment, once underwriting approves you. Marketplace start dates depend on when you enroll. Start early and I'll help you line up the dates.