Marketplace Enrollment Periods

I elected COBRA after I was laid off and my former employer paid my COBRA premiums for 6 months. When the employer premium contribution ends, can I enroll in a marketplace plan instead?

Yes. When employer contributions to COBRA premiums end, you are eligible for a SEP to enroll in marketplace coverage.  You have 60 days from the date the employer premium contribution ends to sign up.  In addition, in HealthCare.gov states, if you know the date when employer premium contributions to COBRA will end, you can apply up to 60 days in advance of that date and have new marketplace coverage take effect on the first day of the month in which the triggering event occurs (e.g.-loss of health coverage).

While we have made every effort to provide accurate information in these FAQs, people should contact the health insurance Marketplace or Medicaid agency in their state for guidance on their specific circumstances.

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