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Reviewed by Tina Price, licensed health insurance advisor, on October 30, 2026.

Losing job-based coverage in Colorado: your options

Losing job coverage usually gives you 60 days to pick a new plan, even outside open enrollment. COBRA is one option of several.

Last updated October 30, 2026

The short version

  • Ask your employer for the exact date your coverage ends. Every deadline counts from it.
  • You can often apply up to 60 days before coverage ends, which helps avoid a gap.
  • COBRA lets you keep your plan, but you pay the full premium plus a small administrative fee.
  • Quitting COBRA voluntarily generally does not open a new enrollment period.
  • Tax credits and Medicaid may be options, depending on income.

Start with the date coverage ends

Ask your employer, in writing if you can, for the exact date your coverage ends. Every deadline counts from it.

Losing coverage usually opens a special enrollment period: a window to sign up outside open enrollment. It runs 60 days before and 60 days after the date coverage ends. Apply before the end date and the new plan can start with no gap.

Option 1: a plan through Connect for Health Colorado

A plan bought through Connect for Health Colorado may come with financial help. The premium tax credit is based on your estimated income for the year, not your old paycheck. If your income is lower now, say so on the application.

You may need to provide proof that you lost coverage. HealthCare.gov warns that without acceptable documents, you will not qualify for the special enrollment period. A letter from your employer or insurer showing the end date is usually the starting point.

If your coverage loss falls near the end of the year, the regular open enrollment dates may apply. They run November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

Option 2: COBRA

COBRA is a federal law that may let you keep your current coverage for a limited time. You pay the entire premium, including the share your employer used to pay, plus a small administrative fee. For many people, that is a large jump.

COBRA keeps your doctors and your deductible progress, which can matter if you are in the middle of treatment. Ask for the exact monthly price in writing before you decide.

If you drop COBRA by choice, that generally does not open a special enrollment period.

Option 3: a spouse's or parent's plan

Losing your own job can also let you join a family member's employer plan. Ask their employer how long you have to enroll. Those windows are often only 30 days, so ask right away.

Option 4: Health First Colorado or CHP+

If your household income drops enough, you or your children may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or CHP+. You can apply for these at any time of year. There is no open enrollment period.

Our guide to Health First Colorado and CHP+ covers who qualifies. If you are denied, your next stop is a Connect for Health Colorado plan.

What to avoid

Do not let the 60 days run out while you wait to see if a new job comes through. If you are unsure, start your application now and ask Connect for Health Colorado about your deadline.

Be careful with plans that look too cheap. Some, like short-term plans, are not full coverage and can leave out benefits a regular plan must include. Check what is excluded before you buy.

Next step

Weighing COBRA? Price new plans with your expected income, then set the results next to your COBRA price.

Want a person to check your pick? A licensed Grove advisor will, at no cost.

Compare plansCall (970) 840-1130

Common questions

How long do I have to choose a new plan?

Usually 60 days from the date coverage ends, and you can often apply up to 60 days before. Confirm your exact deadline with Connect for Health Colorado at 855-752-6749.

Does a severance payment count as income?

Income for tax credits is based on your estimate for the full coverage year. Severance can be part of that estimate. A tax professional can tell you how to count it.

Can I keep my doctor if I leave COBRA?

Not necessarily. Each plan has its own network. Check every doctor and medicine against the new plan before you enroll.

Sources

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Connect for Health Colorado decides eligibility and tax credits.

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