Lost job coverage documents checklist

Start with the source that says when job-based coverage ends and which continuation documents apply.

• Coverage end date from the employer or plan noticeMarketplace and COBRA timing questions often start with the date job-based coverage changed or ended.
• Final pay or benefits notice showing the coverage changeA dated employer notice helps keep the coverage event separate from later plan-shopping questions.
• Employer benefits contact or plan administrator nameCOBRA and employer-plan questions should be verified through the plan administrator or official plan documents.

If COBRA is offered, keep the election and payment facts attached to the official COBRA notice.

• COBRA election noticeThe COBRA notice is the controlling document for continuation availability, election timing, and plan administrator instructions.
• Monthly COBRA premium and first payment due dateCOBRA cost and payment timing should stay tied to the employer notice before any comparison.
• Current deductible and out-of-pocket progressContinuity facts matter when comparing COBRA with other routes, but they do not replace official timing verification.

Use official sources before relying on private coverage pages or broad timing summaries.

• Marketplace Special Enrollment Period source pageHealthCare.gov or a state Marketplace should control final timing and eligibility verification for Marketplace enrollment.
• State Medicaid or CHIP agency routeMedicaid or CHIP status, renewal, and application questions should route through state agency context before private comparison.
• Household size and broad income band notesBroad income context can help route the next official question without storing exact income or making a final savings claim.