Finding a new plan when COBRA* ends

COBRA can provide a few months of coverage, but eventually you’ll have to explore other options. Rest assured, you have a variety of ways to stay covered, including:

• A Kaiser Permanente individual or family plan — which you can buy directly through Kaiser Permanente or your state’s health benefit exchange
• Medicaid or other federal and state coverage programs, which may be available through Kaiser Permanente in your state
• Additional state-sponsored COBRA continuation coverage (availability varies by region)
• Coverage through a new employer, or as a dependent on a spouse or partner’s plan

Depending on the coverage option you choose, that date can vary.

• Individual or family plan through Kaiser Permanente or the health benefit exchange — Coverage may start the first day of the month after you lose your coverage.
• Medicaid — Coverage may start either on the date you apply for Medicaid or the first day of the month you apply, depending on your state’s Medicaid rules.

Depending on your family size and income level, you may qualify for financial assistance. Financial assistance through Kaiser Permanente’s Medical Financial Assistance and Charitable Health Coverage programs is available in some areas, and government-funded programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can help you stay covered.

• Learn more about Kaiser Permanente’s Medical Financial Assistance and Charitable Health Coverage programs.
• Check healthcare.gov or your state’s health benefit exchange to see if you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or other government-funded programs.

If you’ve had a qualifying life change — like losing COBRA coverage — you can apply for coverage for a limited time outside the yearly open enrollment period. This is called a special enrollment period.

• If you’re applying for an individual plan, your special enrollment period typically lasts 60 days from the date of your life change. In some cases, the special enrollment period extends from 60 days before to 60 days after the change.
• If you’re applying for coverage through your employer, your special enrollment period lasts at least 30 days from the date of your life change. The length of time varies by employer.
• If additional state COBRA coverage is available, you need to sign up by the date listed in your COBRA election notice.
• If you qualify for Medicaid, you can apply anytime — with no time restrictions.

You’ll want to act quickly: If you don’t apply by your deadline, you’ll usually need to wait until the following year’s open enrollment period to apply for new coverage.