Lost Your Job? Here's How to Get Health Insurance

Losing your job qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period on the ACA marketplace, giving you 60 days to enroll in a new health insurance plan. You may also be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, short-term plans, or Medicaid depending on your situation. Acting quickly is important—coverage gaps can be costly.

Your Options After Job Loss

1. ACA Marketplace (Recommended for Most People)

Job loss triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Based on your new (lower) income, you may qualify for significant subsidies. This is often the most affordable option. Apply at Healthcare.gov within 60 days of losing coverage.

2. COBRA Continuation

COBRA lets you keep your employer's plan for up to 18 months, but you pay the full premium (employer's share + your share) plus a 2% admin fee. This typically costs $600-$1,500+/month for individual coverage.

3. Short-Term Insurance

Available immediately with quick approval. Lower premiums but limited coverage. Best as a bridge while you set up marketplace coverage.

4. Medicaid

If your income drops significantly, check your state's Medicaid eligibility. In states that expanded Medicaid, adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify. Your children may also qualify for state children's health insurance programs.

What to Do Right Now

1. Find out when your employer coverage ends (get the exact date in writing)
2. Apply on Healthcare.gov within 60 days of coverage loss
3. Estimate your projected annual income for subsidy calculations
4. Compare COBRA costs with marketplace plan costs

At Resilience Health Advisors, we've helped hundreds of people navigate coverage after job loss. Call us for a free, urgent consultation—we can often find coverage that starts within weeks.