Job Loss

What if lose coverage because I was fired, laid off or quit my job?

Option 1: Get an individual plan.
If you lost your insurance benefits from an employer, you can buy your own health plan right away. Find a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace  or directly through our individual health plan options. You don’t have to wait until fall for the next open enrollment period.

Option 2: Get covered under COBRA.
COBRA is a federal law that lets you and your family stay covered by your employee health plan. You might be able to keep the current plan you have with your employer through COBRA continuation coverage. Coverage is available for a limited time (often 18 months) after you leave your job or lose your employer coverage. You pay the full monthly premium, including the amount your employer paid.

COBRA coverage does not come with cost assistance plans on the Marketplace offer.

If you lost eligibility for employer-provided health insurance, but not your actual job, you can still get an individual plan or COBRA coverage.

In most cases, you have 60 days after the qualifying life event to enroll in or change your health plan. But if you have insurance through your job, you may only have 30 days to enroll. Don't wait, the sooner you enroll, the better!

Originally published 9/24/20214; Revised 2018, 2024