Losing Employer Coverage: Your Options
Whether you've been laid off, gone out on your own or retired early, losing employer coverage starts a clock. The good news: you have more options than most people realize, and some of them are better than what you had. Here's an honest map of all of them — including the ones we don't offer.
The alternative
The usual defaults
- COBRA — same plan, full price, usually 18 months
- Marketplace — 60-day Special Enrollment Period, subsidies based on income
- Spouse's employer plan — a qualifying event lets you join
- Medicaid — if your income drops enough, this may be the best answer
With Liberty Health Choice
Adding a private PPO to the comparison
- Apply any day — no Special Enrollment deadline
- Often lower premiums than COBRA for healthy applicants
- Nationwide PPO networks
- Choose your own start date
- Medically underwritten — approval depends on health history
Side by side: Default options vs. private PPO
- COBRADefault optionsSame plan, full premiumPrivate PPOGood for mid-treatment continuity
- MarketplaceDefault options60-day window after job lossPrivate PPOBest if your income qualifies for subsidies
- Spouse's planDefault optionsJoin within the plan's windowPrivate PPOOften strongest if the employer subsidizes it
- MedicaidDefault optionsIncome-based, any timePrivate PPOBest if eligible — we'll tell you
- Private PPODefault optionsNot tied to a deadlinePrivate PPOOften lowest full-price option for healthy applicants
What should I do first?
Write down your last day of coverage, your COBRA election deadline, and your 60-day marketplace Special Enrollment window. Those three dates frame every other decision.
How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid or subsidies?
Both depend on your expected household income for the year — not what you used to earn. If your income is dropping, check both. A Liberty advisor will point you there if it's the better fit.
Can I avoid a gap in coverage?
Yes. Apply for your new coverage before your old plan ends and set the start date for the day after. COBRA's retroactive election can serve as a backstop while you decide.
I'm starting my own business — what changes?
You'll be buying coverage on your own from now on, so it's worth choosing something you can keep. Many self-employed people pick a private PPO for its network and year-round flexibility.
Best for: Default options
- • Medicaid-eligible households
- • People with large subsidies
- • Anyone with a subsidized spousal plan
Best for: Private PPO
- • Healthy people facing high COBRA bills
- • New business owners and freelancers
- • Early retirees bridging to Medicare
The verdict
There's no single right answer when employer coverage ends — but there's always a calm, clear one for your situation. Start with your dates, then compare.
More comparisons
See which option fits you best.
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