Lost Your Insurance? Start Here.

Losing job-based health coverage qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period — a window (usually 60 days) to sign up for an ACA Marketplace plan outside of the normal Open Enrollment period. This applies whether you quit, were laid off, or your employer stopped offering coverage.

During your SEP, you can choose from all available plans in your area. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits that significantly reduce your monthly cost. Do not wait — the 60-day window starts on the date you lose coverage, not the date you find out about it.

COBRA allows you to keep your existing employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months after leaving a job (or 36 months in some cases). The catch: you pay the full premium — including the portion your employer used to cover — plus a 2% administrative fee.

This can be expensive (often $500–$700+/month for individuals), but it may make sense if you have ongoing treatment, upcoming procedures, or want to avoid a gap in coverage. Compare COBRA costs against ACA Marketplace options before deciding — you may find better value elsewhere.

If your income has dropped significantly, you may now qualify for Medicaid — a free or very low-cost government health program. Eligibility varies by state, but in states that expanded Medicaid, individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify.

Children may qualify for CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) at higher income levels than adults. Unlike ACA plans, Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — you can apply any time. Check your eligibility at healthcare.gov or your state's Medicaid website.

The ACA Marketplace (healthcare.gov) offers individual and family health plans with income-based subsidies. If you earn between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, you likely qualify for premium tax credits that reduce your monthly premium. Some plans may cost as little as $0/month with subsidies.

Plans are categorized by metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs; Gold plans cost more monthly but have lower deductibles. For most people without employer coverage, the ACA Marketplace is the best starting point.

If you are in a gap period or need immediate care:

• Community Health Centers: Federally funded clinics that serve patients regardless of insurance status, with fees based on ability to pay. • Telehealth services: Many offer affordable per-visit pricing without insurance. • Short-term health plans: Available in some states for temporary gaps, but these are limited and may not cover pre-existing conditions.

1. Get the exact date your coverage ends — this starts your enrollment clock. 2. Check Medicaid eligibility at healthcare.gov (takes about 10 minutes). 3. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, compare ACA Marketplace plans and check your subsidy amount. 4. If you need immediate care before coverage starts, use HealthGap's Find Care tool to locate a community health center. 5. Contact the new health plan before canceling COBRA to ensure no gap in coverage for ongoing treatment.