Losing employer health coverage triggers a Special Enrollment Period. You have options — and most of them are far cheaper than COBRA. A licensed broker can enroll you today.
Get My Free Quote Now →Almost always the best choice. If your income dropped, you may qualify for $0–$150/month premiums with ACA subsidies. Enroll within 60 days of job loss.
Keeps your exact same plan but you pay 100% of the premium + 2% admin fee. Average COBRA cost: $650+/month for an individual. Only consider if you need continuity for an ongoing treatment.
If your income dropped significantly, you may qualify for free Medicaid coverage. In the 29 states we serve that expanded Medicaid, eligibility is below 138% FPL (~$20,783/yr for 1 person).
Job loss is a qualifying event for your spouse's open enrollment too. Compare their employer plan cost vs. an ACA plan — sometimes the ACA plan wins even with subsidies.
| Factor | COBRA | ACA Marketplace |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly cost | $650–$1,800/mo | $0–$350/mo (with subsidies) |
| Same doctors/network | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Depends on plan |
| Enrollment window | 60 days from job loss | 60 days from job loss |
| Coverage start | Retroactive to job loss | 1st of following month |
| Duration | Up to 18 months | Year-round with SEP |
| Income-based discounts | ❌ None | ✅ ACA tax credits |
| Best for | Ongoing treatment needing exact same network | Most people — especially if income dropped |
Our licensed brokers specialize in job-loss SEP enrollments. We'll compare every plan, find your exact subsidy, and get you covered — completely free.
Talk to a Broker Now →You have exactly 60 days from the date you lose employer coverage to enroll in an ACA marketplace plan through a Special Enrollment Period. After that window closes, you must wait until Open Enrollment (November 1) unless you have another qualifying life event.
Yes — but be careful. Voluntarily dropping COBRA is a qualifying event for an ACA SEP. However, you can't have both simultaneously. If you elect COBRA and then drop it, you get another 60-day window to enroll in ACA.
Yes. Unemployment benefits count as income for ACA subsidy calculations. However, even with unemployment income included, many job-loss situations result in lower annual income — meaning higher subsidies and lower premiums.
If your income is below 138% FPL (about $20,783/year for 1 person) and you're in a Medicaid expansion state, you likely qualify for free Medicaid. Otherwise, Silver plans with CSR discounts can have very low out-of-pocket costs even with small premiums.
Yes. You can enroll in an ACA plan for the gap period. When your new employer coverage starts, it's a qualifying event to drop the ACA plan without penalty.