I’m leaving my job and will be eligible for COBRA. Can I shop for coverage and subsidies on the Marketplace instead?

Yes, leaving your job and losing eligibility for job-based health coverage will trigger a special enrollment opportunity for Marketplace coverage that lasts for 60 days. During that period, you can apply for a Marketplace health plan and depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.

If your state uses the federally facilitated Marketplace (HealthCare.gov), you will need to provide proof of the coverage loss to be eligible for the special enrollment opportunity.

If you choose to enroll in COBRA coverage through your former employer, however, you will need to wait until the next Marketplace Open Enrollment period if you want to switch to a Marketplace plan. You may want to look at your Marketplace options before enrolling in COBRA.