Generally 60 days - losing coverage (job-based plan, aging off a parent's plan at 26, a plan ending) triggers a Special Enrollment Period with a 60-day window to pick a new plan, per Healthcare.gov.
COBRA runs a parallel 60-day election clock, and since it is retroactive to the day coverage ended, electing late still leaves no gap. The exceptions: Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round with immediate start, while a spouse's employer plan typically gives only 30 days to add you - the tightest window. Treat uncovered weeks as financially dangerous: one accident can mean a five-figure bill. Mark the end date, count 60, and make day 50 your personal deadline. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you map the dates.
What to do
Common questions
How long do I have to enroll after losing coverage?
The main clock is 60 days. Losing health coverage - a job-based plan, aging off a parent's plan at 26, a Marketplace plan ending - is a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period, and Healthcare.gov's rule is that you can pick a new plan within 60 days of the event; for some events like losing coverage you can also enroll in advance of the loss. COBRA runs its own parallel 60-day election window (60 days from coverage ending or your election notice, whichever is later), and because COBRA is retroactive to the day coverage ended, electing it on day 59 still leaves you without a gap. The deadline exceptions to know: Medicaid and CHIP have no clock at all - apply any day of the year, and coverage can start immediately. A spouse's employer plan typically gives only 30 days to add you after your coverage loss - the tightest window of all. The danger zone is assuming you have unlimited time or that short gaps are safe; even a few uncovered weeks can mean a five-figure bill from one accident. Mark the day your coverage ends, count 60, and treat day 50 as your real deadline. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you map the dates.