Divorce is a qualifying life event for health insurance. If you've been on your spouse's plan, you have options — but you need to act within 60 days.
Your 4 Coverage Options After Divorce
- ACA Marketplace plan — usually cheapest with subsidies based on your individual income
- COBRA from ex's employer — keep same plan up to 36 months (very expensive)
- Employer plan via your job — divorce typically triggers SEP at work
- Medicaid — if your divorce reduced income significantly
The 60-Day Window
You have 60 days from divorce finalization to enroll in a new plan via Special Enrollment. Don't wait — gaps in coverage cause real problems.
Income Recalculation Matters
If divorce dropped your household income, you likely qualify for much bigger ACA subsidies than before. Many newly divorced people get $0/month plans.
Children's Coverage
The custodial parent typically keeps kids on their plan, but the divorce decree controls. Either parent can also add kids via SEP.
Common Mistakes
- Staying on ex's plan illegally after divorce — eventually gets discovered, all claims rejected
- Defaulting to COBRA without checking ACA — usually cheaper to switch to marketplace
- Missing the 60-day SEP window — then waiting until November
Going through divorce? Our agents help you navigate the SEP and find the best plan. Get help free →