Option 1: Individual or family health insurance plan
You can buy an individual or family health insurance plan, regardless of the reason you left your job. This change in your employment status makes you eligible for a special enrollment period. Your coverage can start the first day of the month after you lose insurance, but not the same day you lost your job-based insurance. Consider short-term policies that range from 30 to 88 days if your plan is to regain coverage through a new job. You may need to show proof that you lost insurance through your job. Your income changes after you lose a job, which means you may be eligible for financial assistance. The types of assistance that are available include:- A tax credit, also called an advanced premium tax credit (APTC), helps pay for all or part of your monthly bill (premium). Use our online tool to see if you may qualify.
- A discount (also called a cost-sharing reduction) helps pay your share of costs for your medical care, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copays. If you're a member of a federally recognized tribe, you may qualify for additional cost-sharing benefits. See if you qualify for savings on the federal exchange website.