Unemployed people

Health coverage options if you're unemployed

Option 1: Explore coverage options through the Marketplace

• With one application, you’ll find out if you’re eligible for a Marketplace health plan,
  Medicaid

  Insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover all people below certain income levels.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  or the
  Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

  Insurance program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to buy private insurance. In some states, CHIP covers pregnant women.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  .
• Savings and eligibility are based on your household size and your estimated income for the year you need coverage, not by your employment status.

Option 2: Enroll in COBRA continuation coverage, if offered

• COBRA is a federal law that allows you to maintain health coverage temporarily after your employment ends, you lose coverage as a dependent of the covered employee, or due to another qualifying event.
• If you choose COBRA coverage, you’ll pay 100% of the
  premiums

  The amount you pay for your health insurance every month. In addition to your premium, you usually have to pay other costs for your health care, including a deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. If you have a Marketplace health plan, you may be able to lower your costs with a premium tax credit.

  Refer to glossary for more details.

  , including the portion previously covered by the employer, plus a small administrative fee.

What to do when I get a job