Just Lost Your Employer Coverage?
Losing job-based health insurance is stressful — but it usually triggers a special enrollment window, so you don't have to wait for open enrollment. The key is moving before a gap starts. Let's find you coverage quickly and calmly.
You just lost your employer health coverage. What are your options?
Losing job-based coverage is a qualifying life event, so it opens a Special Enrollment Period, usually about 60 days, to pick a new plan outside Open Enrollment. Your main routes are an ACA marketplace plan (a drop in income often means you now qualify for premium subsidies), COBRA continuation of your old plan, or a private under-65 plan. COBRA keeps your exact plan but you pay the full premium, so a marketplace or private plan is often cheaper. An independent broker can compare them on your real numbers at no cost to you.
Not sure whether your situation opens a window right now? Check if you can enroll today →
Your 60-day window
Losing coverage through a job — whether you were laid off, quit, had your hours cut, or retired early — is generally a qualifying life event. That typically opens a special enrollment period of about 60 days to pick a new plan, and coverage can often start the first of the following month. Miss the window and you may have to wait, so it's worth acting early.
The clock usually starts the day your coverage ends. The sooner we look at your options, the more of them you'll have — and the better the chance you avoid an uninsured gap.
COBRA isn't your only option
COBRA lets you keep your old plan, but you pay the full premium yourself, which is often a shock. As an independent broker, I compare COBRA against ACA marketplace plans and private under-65 coverage side by side — so you can see the real trade-offs instead of defaulting to the most expensive one. No fee to work with me, no pressure.
- A clear comparison: COBRA vs. marketplace vs. private coverage
- Move quickly to line up coverage before a gap
- PPO-style options so you can often keep your doctors
- One licensed advisor who handles the paperwork with you
Weighing COBRA specifically? See COBRA alternatives in Florida → · or compare your paths in the free estimator → · see if you qualify for a special enrollment period → · moved to a new state? →
What clients in your situation value most.
Line Up Coverage While You Still Have Time
Your special enrollment window is time-limited. I help you line up new coverage quickly so you're not left uninsured between plans.
COBRA vs. The Alternatives
COBRA keeps your plan but at full price. I compare it against marketplace and private options so you see the real cost trade-offs.
Keep Your Doctors
Many private and marketplace plans offer PPO-style networks, so a job change doesn't have to mean changing your care team.
Calm, Guided Help
Losing coverage is stressful. You get one licensed person who walks you through the options and the paperwork, start to finish.
Quick answers.
I just lost my job — how long do I have to get new health insurance?
Losing job-based coverage is generally a qualifying life event that opens a special enrollment window of about 60 days. Coverage can often start the first of the following month. It's best to act early so you keep the most options and avoid a gap.
Is COBRA my only option after leaving a job?
No. COBRA lets you keep your existing plan, but you pay the full premium yourself. I compare COBRA against ACA marketplace plans and private under-65 coverage so you can choose on real numbers instead of defaulting to the priciest route.
What happens if I let my coverage lapse?
Practically speaking, any care you need in the meantime comes out of your own pocket, and depending on timing it may affect your next enrollment window — both things we can usually avoid if we look early. That's why I move quickly to line up new coverage before your old plan ends whenever possible.
Can coverage start right after my old plan ends?
Often, yes. With a special enrollment period, a new plan can frequently begin the first of the month after you enroll. Exact timing depends on the plan and when you apply, so the sooner we start, the smoother the hand-off.
Does it cost anything to compare my options with you?
No. There's no fee to work with me — I'm compensated by the carriers, not by you. You get a licensed advisor who lays out COBRA, marketplace, and private options side by side and helps you enroll.
Does losing my job also affect my family's coverage?
Usually yes. If your family was on your employer plan, they lose coverage when you do, and the same qualifying life event covers them, so you can enroll the whole household together in a new plan. You can compare adding everyone to a marketplace plan, COBRA for the family, or a private under-65 family plan. An independent broker can price the household options together at no cost to you.
My spouse lost their job and I was on their insurance — what do I do?
You're in a special enrollment window too. Losing coverage because a spouse's job ended — not just your own — is still a qualifying life event, so you generally have about 60 days to enroll in a new plan without waiting for open enrollment. You have the same choices: an ACA marketplace plan, a private under-65 plan, or COBRA through their former employer. Tell me the date that coverage ends and I'll line up options for both of you, at no cost.
Related situations I help with.
COBRA & coverage gaps
A closer look at COBRA alternatives when a plan ends.
See gap options →Going self-employed?
Starting your own thing after the job? Coverage that fits.
Explore self-employed →Families & individuals
Covering your household after losing a job-based plan.
Explore family coverage →2027 ACA changes
Subsidies lapsed and premiums rose — what changed and what to do.
See the 2027 changes →Lost your coverage? Let's move fast.
A quick call now can line up new coverage before a gap starts — with a clear look at every option.