Your first decision is usually Marketplace coverage versus COBRA
A Marketplace plan gives you a new individual policy. Your premium and possible savings depend on your Florida ZIP code, ages, household size, expected full-year household income and access to other coverage. COBRA keeps the employer plan you already know, usually with the same network and deductible progress, but you generally pay the full premium plus an administrative fee.
Start by finding the exact date your employer coverage ends—not merely your last workday. Then compare total monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket limit, prescriptions and whether your doctors are in-network. A lower premium can still cost more overall if the deductible or provider network is a poor fit.
- Marketplace: a new plan, possible income-based savings, new network and deductible.
- COBRA: the same employer plan for a limited period, generally at the full cost.
- Spouse or partner’s employer plan: ask the benefits office about its special enrollment deadline.
- Medicaid or Florida KidCare: eligibility depends on household circumstances, age, pregnancy, disability, children and income.
| Compare | Marketplace | COBRA |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | New individual policy | Continue former employer plan |
| Premium | May include income-based tax credits | Usually full premium plus an administrative fee |
| Doctors | Verify the new network | Usually keeps the current plan network |
| Deductible | Generally starts with the new plan | Usually preserves current plan-year progress |
| Typical timing | SEP around coverage loss | Election deadline in COBRA notice |
The 60-day window matters
HealthCare.gov says loss of qualifying job-based coverage can create a Special Enrollment Period. You can generally enroll during the 60 days before the loss or the 60 days after it. Applying before coverage ends is the safer way to reduce the chance of a gap. Marketplace coverage after job-based insurance typically starts on the first day of the following month.
Keep the termination letter, benefits notice or another document showing who lost coverage and the last day of coverage. For plan year 2026, the federal Marketplace increased pre-enrollment verification for many Special Enrollment Period enrollments, so missing proof can delay coverage.
Answer a few timing and household questions before sharing contact details.
How income and subsidies work after a layoff
Marketplace savings use your estimate of total household income for the entire calendar year. Income earned before the job ended still counts. Include the people in your tax household, then update the Marketplace if income or access to employer coverage changes later.
The temporary enhanced Marketplace tax credits ended after 2025. That means many people pay more for 2026 coverage, and households above the applicable subsidy limit may not receive a premium tax credit. Get an actual Marketplace determination before assuming a plan will be free or heavily discounted.
When COBRA can be the stronger choice
COBRA may be useful when you are in active treatment, have already spent heavily toward the employer plan deductible, need a provider who is hard to replace or expect a short gap before new employer coverage begins. Because COBRA can be elected retroactively within its election period if the rules are met, it can also provide a decision window—but deadlines and premium payments are strict.
Do not cancel COBRA assuming that cancellation creates a new Marketplace enrollment right. HealthCare.gov states that voluntarily dropping COBRA before it expires generally does not create a Special Enrollment Period. Compare before electing or ending it.
Answer a few timing and household questions before sharing contact details.
A practical checklist
Gather the information below before comparing plans or speaking with a licensed professional. It makes the review faster and helps prevent surprises.
- Exact last day of employer coverage
- COBRA monthly premium and election deadline
- Current doctors, hospitals and prescriptions
- Expected full-year tax-household income
- Any spouse or partner employer-plan offer
- Florida ZIP code and everyone who needs coverage
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I qualify if I quit my job?
Yes, if quitting causes you to lose qualifying job-based health insurance. HealthCare.gov states that leaving for any reason—including quitting or being fired—can qualify you for this Special Enrollment Period.
Does my Marketplace plan start the day my job coverage ends?
Generally no. HealthCare.gov says coverage typically starts the first day of the month after job-based coverage ends. Apply before the loss when possible to reduce a gap.
Does income I earned before losing my job count?
Yes. Marketplace savings are based on estimated income for the full calendar year for everyone in your tax household.
Can I choose Marketplace coverage instead of a spouse’s plan?
You can buy a Marketplace plan, but an offer of affordable job-based coverage that meets minimum value can make you ineligible for premium tax credits—even if you decline that offer.
Will I need proof of the coverage loss?
You may. Save notices from the employer, plan or COBRA administrator showing the affected people and the end date.
Primary sources
Where this guidance comes from
We prioritize current federal and Florida government sources. Rules and plan availability can change; use the official application for a final eligibility decision.
- HealthCare.gov — If you lose job-based health insurance
- HealthCare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods
- U.S. Department of Labor — COBRA continuation coverage
- CMS — 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule
Updated September 10, 2026.