Health Insurance After a Job Loss

If you decide to end your COBRA coverage early, you will not be eligible for a special enrollment period on Washington Healthplanfinder. You will need to sign up for coverage during next open enrollment. Your coverage will begin the following year if you do so.

This does not apply to Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Apple Health is available year-round. You can apply for Apple Health at any time.

You may qualify for special enrollment if your COBRA coverage is ending, or your employer is no longer contributing to your premiums. You typically have 60 days before and after your COBRA coverage end date to enroll.

To avoid a gap in coverage, be sure to sign up for a new health plan before your COBRA coverage runs out.

While signing up for coverage, you are asked whether you received any unemployment income and to enter the benefit amount on the application. Unemployment benefits are distributed weekly in Washington State.

You can view your weekly unemployment benefit amount by logging onto your SecureAccess account on the Employment Security Department website.

Washington Healthplanfinder offers many ways to save on premium and out-of-pocket costs.

Submitting an application is the best way to determine your eligibility for financial assistance. Submitting an application does not require you to sign up for a health plan. The amount of financial assistance you receive can vary based on your household income and size.

If you are outside the 60-day window, you will need to wait until the next open enrollment to sign up for health coverage. If you experience another qualifying life event before then, you may qualify for another special enrollment period.

Enrollment is offered year-round for families who qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).

If you already have an account on Washington Healthplanfinder, report a change to let us know you are losing your employer coverage. You will receive new eligibility results based on the information you submit. Reporting a change also opens a special enrollment period, during which you can shop for plans.

If you are currently enrolled in a Washington Healthplanfinder plan when you lose your job, report a change and update your income. This will let us know if you are eligible for additional savings or a special enrollment period.