Coverage When COBRA Ends
Using COBRA for the maximum length of time is considered a “qualifying life event” and grants you a special enrollment period to find new health coverage. Your options are:
- Apply for a Marketplace (ACA) plan — you may qualify for income-based subsidies.
- See if you’re eligible for Medicaid or, if you’re age‑qualified, Medicare.
- Consider joining a spouse’s employer plan
- Find a short‑term medical plan as a temporary bridge until your next your next major medical insurance kicks in.
What You Need to Know
- When COBRA ends, you qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period to choose new coverage.
- Marketplace plans may offer subsidies based on your income, lowering monthly costs.
- You can also look for private term health insurance, apply for Medicaid or join a spouse’s employer plan under special enrollment rules.
ACA Certified Health Insurance
Going on an employer’s COBRA plan is an ACA Certified health plan that will cover treatment and medication for pre-existing conditions, like diabetes. When your COBRA runs out, you will need to find another major medical plan that will cover your prescription drugs and doctor visits. The Affordable Care Act requires all employers with 50 or more workers to provide a qualified health insurance plan to their employees.
Anytime your health insurance stops, a special enrollment period opens up where you can search for marketplace insurance. The only exception is if you are delinquent paying your premiums.