COBRA coverage and the Marketplace
When you lose job-based insurance, you may be offered COBRA continuation coverage by your former employer.
- If you’re losing job-based coverage and haven’t signed up for COBRA, learn about your rights and options under COBRA from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- If you decide not to take COBRA coverage, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan instead. Losing job-based coverage qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you have 60 days to enroll in a health plan, even if it’s outside the annual Open Enrollment Period.
See 2021 plans and prices to compare them to your COBRA coverage or offer.
If you already have COBRA coverage
If you’re already enrolled in COBRA, you may have options in the Marketplace.
This is a blank | If your COBRA is running out | If you’re ending COBRA early | If your COBRA costs change because your former employer stops contributing and you must pay full cost |
|---|---|---|---|
During Open Enrollment | Yes, you can change. | Yes, you can change. | Yes, you can change. |
Outside Open Enrollment | Yes, you can change — you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. | No, you can’t change until the next Open Enrollment Period, your COBRA runs out, or you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period another way. | Yes, you can change — you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. |
More answers
- Does COBRA count as qualifying health coverage (or "minimum essential coverage")?
Yes. This means if you have COBRA coverage you don’t have to pay the fee that people without coverage must pay.
- What if I already signed up for COBRA but it’s too expensive?
Your options depend on whether it’s during the annual Open Enrollment Period and whether the cost for you has recently changed. See the COBRA options chart.
- Can I switch from COBRA to Medicaid outside Open Enrollment?
You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid any time. If you qualify, you can drop your COBRA coverage early. See if you may qualify for Medicaid and CHIP.