Health Insurance After Job Loss
Losing a job is stressful enough without worrying about coverage. There are deadlines to know about, and several options to compare. I'll help you work out which one fits, quickly and without pressure.
Who this page is for
- People who recently lost a job or had hours cut
- Anyone whose employer coverage is ending soon
- Families who lost coverage through a spouse's job
- People deciding between COBRA and other options
Deadlines matter
A loss of employer coverage generally opens a Marketplace special enrollment period, usually around 60 days. COBRA also has an election window. Exact dates depend on your situation, so start early and check your notices.
Your main options
COBRA continuation of your employer plan, a Marketplace plan, a spouse's plan, Medicaid if you qualify, or a private plan. Each works differently on cost, networks and eligibility.
COBRA vs. a new plan
COBRA lets you keep your current plan, but you generally pay the full premium plus an administrative fee, which can be expensive. A new plan may cost less or use a different network. I'll compare them with your actual numbers.
Short-term and limited plans
Short-term or limited-duration plans may be available in some states for gaps in coverage, but they have significant limits and are not ACA-compliant. I'll explain what they leave out before you decide.
Eligibility
You generally need to live in a state where I'm licensed and where the plan is offered, and meet the plan's age and residency rules. ACA Marketplace plans also require open enrollment or a special enrollment period, such as after losing coverage. Some private plans ask health questions before approving you. I explain which rules apply before you apply.
Provider networks
Every plan has a network of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies. Going out of network can cost more, or may not be covered at all. Before you enroll, I check your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions against each plan, and I tell you plainly if I can't confirm one.
ACA-compliant plans vs. other private plans
A general comparison. Specific plan terms vary, so I go through each plan's official documents with you.
| ACA-compliant plans | Other private / limited-benefit plans | |
|---|---|---|
| Essential health benefits | Must cover all ten categories, including maternity, mental health and prescriptions. | May not cover all of them. Some services may be limited or excluded. |
| Pre-existing conditions | Can't be excluded, and you can't be charged more because of your health. | May be excluded or limited, depending on the plan. |
| Medical underwriting | Not used to decide approval or price. | May be used, so approval and price can depend on your health history. |
| Annual and lifetime limits | No dollar limits on essential health benefits. | Some plans cap benefits per year, per condition or for life. |
| Premium tax credits | May be available through the Marketplace, based on income. | Generally not available. |
| When you can enroll | Open enrollment or a qualifying life event. | Some are available year-round. Rules vary by plan and state. |
How your free consultation works
- Step 1
Tell me your situation
Call, request a quote, or book a time. Share who needs coverage, where you live and what matters most.
- Step 2
I check the details
I confirm which plans are available in your state and check your doctors and prescriptions against each one.
- Step 3
Compare side by side
You see the options with costs and trade-offs laid out plainly, including what each plan doesn't cover.
- Step 4
You decide
Take your time. If you'd like to move forward, I help with enrollment. No pressure, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to choose a new plan after losing coverage?+
A Marketplace special enrollment period generally lasts about 60 days from the loss of coverage. COBRA has its own election window. Check your notices for exact dates and contact me early.
Is COBRA my only option?+
No. You may also have Marketplace plans, private plans, a spouse's plan or Medicaid. Which one is best depends on cost, doctors and timing.
Will my doctors be covered on a new plan?+
It depends on the plan's network. I check your providers and prescriptions against each option before you decide.
What does it cost to talk to you?+
The consultation is free and there's no obligation.
Licensed in 28 states
Mo Qurishi is licensed to advise and enroll residents of these states. Not listed? Call and ask, and I'll point you in the right direction.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
Related coverage guides
Qurishi Healthcare Advising is an independent licensed insurance advisor (NPN 19229315). We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal government, Medicare or the Health Insurance Marketplace. Plan availability, pricing, benefits and eligibility vary by state, insurer and applicant, and not every plan is available in every state. Some private plans, including some PPO plans, are not ACA-compliant. They may use medical underwriting, may exclude or limit coverage for pre-existing conditions or certain services, and may have benefit limits. This page is general information, not tax, legal or medical advice. Review each plan's official documents before enrolling.