When does health insurance coverage expire after losing a job?

The date of coverage termination varies from one employer to another, as there are no specific rules for this. Employers will often continue the coverage through the end of the month when your employment ends, but they can also terminate the coverage as early as your last day of work. So you’ll need to check with your employer to be sure you understand when your coverage will end.

How much does health insurance cost without employer-sponsored insurance?

The cost of health insurance without a job will depend on whether you elect COBRA, enroll in your spouse’s employer’s plan, or enroll in an individual/family health plan through the Marketplace. All of these have different prices depending on the plan and your circumstances, and the details are discussed below. If your household income is low after leaving your job, you might find that you’re eligible for Medicaid, which has no monthly premiums in most states.[efn_note]“ Understanding the Impact of Medicaid Premiums & Cost-Sharing: Updated Evidence from the Literature and Section 1115 Waivers ” KFF. Sept. 9, 2021[/efn_note]

What is the best health insurance if I’m unemployed?

There’s no “best” health insurance for an unemployed person, since the specifics will depend on your circumstances. You can choose to enroll in an individual or family plan through the health insurance Marketplace in your state. Or you may have access to COBRA or your spouse’s health plan, or even Medicaid.