Lost Your Job Coverage? You Have 60 Days. Here's What to Do.
If you just lost your job — or your job-based health coverage ended — you have a 60-day Special Enrollment window to sign up for an ACA marketplace plan. In most cases this is dramatically cheaper than COBRA, and you keep coverage uninterrupted. The clock starts the day your coverage ends.
COBRA vs. ACA marketplace — quick honest comparison
COBRA lets you keep your exact same plan and network, but you pay the full premium yourself — usually 3–8× what you paid through your employer. ACA marketplace plans cost a fraction of that because your between-jobs income often qualifies you for major subsidies.
Your 60-day Special Enrollment Period
Losing job-based coverage is one of the qualifying life events that opens a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You have 60 days from the date your coverage ends to enroll in a new marketplace plan. Miss the window and you're stuck with COBRA or short-term coverage until the next Open Enrollment.
What to do this week
- Get your job coverage end-date in writing from HR (you'll need it).
- Get a free ACA quote (no SSN required for the quote).
- Compare your COBRA cost vs. your subsidized ACA cost — usually it's not close.
- Make sure your most-needed doctor and prescriptions are in the new plan's network and formulary.
- Enroll before the 60-day clock runs out.
What if I'm between jobs longer than expected?
An ACA plan doesn't end when you take your next job. If your new employer offers coverage and you want to switch, you can — your new job is another qualifying event. If you stay self-employed or freelance, you keep your ACA plan and just adjust your income estimate at year-end.
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