If you lose your job-based health insurance, know that there are many options available to you to ensure that you and your family stay covered:
Enroll in coverage through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace during Open Enrollment or with a Special Enrollment Period:
- If you leave your job for any reason and lose your job-based insurance, you may be able to enroll in coverage through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, even if you apply outside of Open Enrollment. Losing job-based coverage, even if you quit or get fired, may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, but only if you apply within 60 days of losing coverage.
- Your coverage can start the first day of the month after you lose your insurance.
When you fill out a Virginia's Insurance Marketplace application, you'll find out if you qualify for savings on your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket healthcare costs based on your income.
However, you may not be able to keep the same plan you had through your employer. When you apply for coverage, you will need to confirm if your healthcare provider is in network and/or if your current medications are covered.
Sign-up for COBRA coverage
You may be able to keep your job-based health plan through COBRA continuation coverage.
COBRA is a federal law that may let you pay to stay on your employee health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee.
To learn about your COBRA options, contact your employer.
However, having coverage from COBRA is usually more expensive than the plans offered through Virginia's Insurance Marketplace.
Enroll in Medicaid or FAMIS
You and your family may also qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid (Medical Assistance) or the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS). You can enroll in these programs year-round.