Reviewed 2026-05-03; sources retrieved 2026-05-02
HealthPlansGuide Editorial Team; Editorial review; freshness: monthly
What documents to gather before comparing coverage options
What documents to gather before comparing coverage options: source-backed planning context without plan-specific recommendations.
Coverage documents
Gather the current ID card, employer termination notice, COBRA packet, dependent coverage notice, Medicaid or CHIP notice, or moving documentation, depending on the event.
Household context
Household size, state, age band, and an income band are enough for public v0 planning. Exact income can be used client-side only for an FPL band estimate.
Questions to answer
Write down whether coverage is ending, continuing, being voluntarily dropped, or moving to a new jurisdiction. That status changes which official links matter.
What not to share here
Do not send SSNs, plan account numbers, prescriptions, doctor lists, or contact identity to HealthPlansGuide. Public v0 is a no-contact planning surface.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov: Special Enrollment Period Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02
- HealthCare.gov: COBRA coverage and the Marketplace Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02
- U.S. Department of Labor: COBRA Continuation Coverage Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02