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Unemployed people

COBRA coverage when you’re unemployed

When you lose job-based coverage, your former employer may offer you COBRA continuation coverage. This may allow you to temporarily keep health coverage until you get other health coverage, whether through a new job or another source.
Learn more about COBRA coverage from the U.S. Department of Labor.

What if I don’t enroll in COBRA?

You don’t have to enroll in COBRA. You can compare the cost of COBRA with plans available through the Marketplace before deciding on health insurance. Explore coverage options through the Marketplace.
By submitting one application, you'll discover if you qualify for a Marketplace plan with savings,
, or the
.

Can I switch from COBRA to the Marketplace?

It depends on when and why you want to make the switch:
  • During
    : You can enroll in a Marketplace plan, regardless of why you’re ending COBRA coverage.
  • Outside Open Enrollment: You can switch from COBRA to a Marketplace plan if:
    • Your COBRA coverage is running out.
    • You have to pay the full cost of COBRA coverage because your former employer stops contributing, or you lose a government subsidy (like COBRA premium assistance).
    • It’s still within 60 days of when you lost your job-based coverage.
    • If you choose to end COBRA coverage early, you’ll have to wait until next Open Enrollment to get Marketplace coverage (unless you experience another
      ).
Notice:
Always check your coverage start date before you end COBRA 
If you’re eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you can enroll at any time. But wait until you get a final decision about your Medicaid/CHIP eligibility before ending your COBRA coverage.

What are my options when COBRA coverage ends?

When your COBRA coverage ends, you have 60 days to enroll in a Marketplace health plan through a
. This applies when your COBRA coverage expires or is no longer available, not if you voluntarily cancel it before it ends.
If you leave COBRA before 18 months, whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period depends on why you left:
  • Losing coverage involuntarily (like if your employer stops coverage or you lose eligibility) qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. 
  • Voluntarily dropping COBRA doesn’t count. Choosing to stop paying COBRA premiums on your own doesn’t qualify.
Marketplace plans may cost less than COBRA, especially if you qualify for savings based on your income.
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