COBRA vs Marketplace after a layoff
Compare continuity, payment timing, Marketplace windows, and official verification before changing paths.
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Find your coverage route.
Source-backed guides and private local tools for COBRA, Marketplace, Medicaid or CHIP, state moves, and Medicare timing.
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Start with your coverage change
- Job changeLost job-based coverageStart with the coverage end date, employer notice, COBRA packet, Marketplace route, and Medicaid or CHIP screen.
- ContinuationCOBRA decisionsSeparate electing COBRA, paying COBRA, active COBRA, COBRA ending, and Marketplace timing.
- Public programMedicaid or CHIP noticeRead the notice type, state agency route, response date, appeal language, and Marketplace handoff question.
- Age transitionRetiring before Medicare or turning 65Sort retiree coverage, Marketplace timing, Medicare enrollment timing, and employer-plan facts.
Local checks
Tools and worksheets
Featured guides
Coverage paths to compare
COBRA ending: what to check
Sort COBRA running out from dropping COBRA early before assuming a new enrollment route.
Moving states or counties
Use the move date, previous coverage, new state route, and official Marketplace or Medicaid source.
Turning 26 health insurance
Check when parent-plan coverage ends, which official window applies, and what documents to gather.
Learn the rules
Coverage basics
- Health insurance basics
Official routes, helper roles, coverage categories, networks, and cost-sharing terms before comparing plans.
- Special enrollment period basics
Which event happened, which date controls, and what official source should confirm the window.
- State Marketplace routing
Whether the state uses HealthCare.gov, a state Marketplace, Medicaid routes, or another official page.
- Marketplace savings context
How income, household, notices, and tax-credit reconciliation fit together without final savings claims.
- Medicaid and CHIP transitions
How to read renewal, appeal, loss, and Marketplace transition language before sharing sensitive details.
Timely source checks
Coverage Watch
Timely updates are source-dated and should be verified through official sources before acting.
Coverage Watch
Marketplace premium bill jumped in 2026: records to check before dropping coverage
Coverage Watch
Medicaid work requirements: what to watch for in renewal notices
Report
2026 coverage transition deadlines source map
Checklist
COBRA first payment document check
Action pack
Special enrollment event sorting
Methodology and trust
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Official sources first
Check HealthCare.gov, Medicare.gov, your state Marketplace, Medicaid or CHIP, employer notices, and agency pages before relying on a private comparison page.
Educational only
Treat each page as planning context. Final deadlines, program status, and coverage decisions come from official sources or qualified help.
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