Questions & answers · Health insurance
I lost my job. Should I take COBRA or look at the Marketplace, and how long do I have?
Health insuranceBuying a policyChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: HealthCare.gov · COBRA coverage when you're unemployed · page text View original ↗
In short
- COBRA is optional. You can compare it with Marketplace plans.
- You have 60 days after losing job coverage to join a Marketplace plan.
- If you drop COBRA early, you may have to wait for Open Enrollment.
What this means
HealthCare.gov says that when you lose job-based coverage, your former employer may offer COBRA. It lets you temporarily keep your health coverage until you get other coverage [1]. You don't have to enroll in COBRA. You can compare its cost with Marketplace plans before you decide [1].
You can enroll in a Marketplace plan within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage [1]. If you are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you can enroll at any time [1]. During Open Enrollment you can switch from COBRA to a Marketplace plan for any reason [1]. Outside Open Enrollment, you can switch if your COBRA is running out, or if you have to pay the full cost because your former employer stops paying [1]. If you end COBRA early, you will have to wait until next Open Enrollment, unless you have another life event [1].
Before you end COBRA, check your new coverage start date [1]. The sources here do not give the monthly cost of COBRA or Marketplace plans.
Your next step
Write down the date your job coverage ended. Count 60 days from it. Get a Marketplace price quote before you decide to drop COBRA.
Check it yourself
Your COBRA notice from your former employer shows your COBRA deadlines and costs. HealthCare.gov shows Marketplace plans and prices for your area.
Where this comes from (1)
[1] HealthCare.gov · COBRA coverage when you're unemployed · page text · checked 2026-11-06
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 … You don't have to enroll in COBRA … You can enroll in a Marketplace plan within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage … If eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you can enroll in those programs any time … You can enroll in a Market…
How we found this
We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
Related answers
- How do I get out of Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare, and can I still buy a Medigap plan?
- I'm turning 65 but still working with job-based health insurance. Do I need to sign up for Medicare Part B now?
- I'm turning 65 and have a Marketplace plan. What happens to it when Medicare starts?
- How does a Medicaid spend down work if my income is too high?
Answer id CQ4705. Spotted an error? Tell us.