Reviewed 2026-05-03
Lost job coverage: what to check first
A source-backed guide to first steps after losing job-based health coverage.
official sources
Playbooks
Coverage playbooks
Browse practical playbooks for job coverage loss, COBRA, turning 26, moving, Medicaid or CHIP changes, and Medicare timing questions.
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What this hub can and cannot tell you
HealthPlansGuide is independent and is not a government website, broker, carrier, marketplace, or enrollment platform. This hub organizes educational, source-backed pages; verify deadlines, eligibility, and enrollment decisions through official sources or licensed help.
- It can organize source-reviewed pages by coverage question and route users toward official verification.
- It cannot enroll you, verify final eligibility, rank plans, sell a lead, or replace official Marketplace guidance.
Reviewed 2026-05-03
COBRA vs Marketplace after a layoff
How to compare COBRA continuation coverage with Marketplace paths after job coverage changes.
official sources
Reviewed 2026-05-04
COBRA ending: next steps to verify
How to separate COBRA running out from canceling COBRA early before checking Marketplace paths.
official sources
Reviewed 2026-05-03
Turning 26 health insurance checklist
What to check when dependent coverage is ending around age 26.
official sources
Reviewed 2026-05-03
Moving and health insurance
How moving states or counties can change health coverage routing.
official sources
Reviewed 2026-05-03
Retiring before Medicare
Coverage paths to consider when retirement starts before Medicare.
official sources
Reviewed 2026-05-03
Turning 65: Medicare timing without paid routing
Education-only next steps for Medicare timing around age 65.
official sources
Reviewed 2026-05-03
Losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage
What to check when Medicaid or CHIP coverage changes or ends.
official sources
Reviewed 2026-05-04
Unsure whether you have a Special Enrollment Period
A no-contact playbook for identifying the coverage event before relying on an enrollment window.
official sources
Sources
Official government source
HealthCare.gov: Special Enrollment Period Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02Official government source
HealthCare.gov: COBRA coverage and the Marketplace Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02Official government source
U.S. Department of Labor: COBRA Continuation Coverage Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02Official government source
HHS: Young Adult Coverage Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02Official government source
CMS: States by Marketplace Type for Plan Year 2026 Retrieved 2026-05-04; last checked 2026-05-04Official government source
CMS / CCIIO: State-based Exchanges Retrieved 2026-05-04; last checked 2026-05-04Official government source
CMS: Medicare Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02Official government source
Medicare.gov: Sign up for Medicare Retrieved 2026-05-02; last checked 2026-05-02Official government source
Medicaid.gov: Where Can People Get Help With Medicaid & CHIP? Retrieved 2026-05-04; last checked 2026-05-04