Who this page is for
This page is for you if you live in Orlando, Winter Park, Orange County, or another part of Florida, and your job coverage is ending or has ended. That could be from a layoff, a resignation, fewer hours, or a similar change. It helps if you are looking for a plan for yourself or your family. Turning 65 or on Medicare? We help with Medicare too.
- You want a short list of choices before time runs out.
- You are comparing the cost of COBRA or state continuation with Marketplace quotes.
- You may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP now that your income changed.
- You may be able to join a spouse’s plan during a special enrollment window.
We mainly serve Orlando and Orange County: see Orlando / Orange County health insurance. See also: Special Enrollment Periods in Florida and ACA Open Enrollment Florida.
Four common choices after a job loss
Many people look at more than one of these choices at the same time.
- ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) via SEP — Losing job-based coverage can open a Special Enrollment Period. You can usually pick a plan from 60 days before to 60 days after your coverage ends. Florida uses HealthCare.gov.
- Federal COBRA or Florida state continuation — You may be able to keep your job plan for a while. Federal COBRA covers employers with 20 or more workers. A Florida law covers insured plans at employers with fewer than 20 workers. Either one usually lasts up to 18 months. Deadlines and costs differ, so read your notice.
- Medicaid / CHIP — You can apply at any time if your income dropped. Children are more likely to qualify. If you later lose Medicaid or CHIP, you have 90 days to pick a Marketplace plan.
- Spouse (or parent) employer plan — A job plan must let you join if you ask within at least 30 days after you lose other coverage. Ask the plan for its deadline.
Comparison table: paths at a glance
This is a side-by-side look. Your own facts decide what fits.
| Path | What it is | Timing | Cost and tax credit | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketplace SEP | A plan for you or your family on HealthCare.gov | 60 days before to 60 days after your coverage ends | You may get a tax credit (APTC) or lower costs (CSR) based on income | Networks differ by ZIP code; keep proof your coverage ended; pay your first premium |
| Federal COBRA | Keep the same job plan (if your employer’s size and rules allow) | At least 60 days to sign up, counted from your notice or your coverage end date, whichever is later | Up to 102% of the full price; no Marketplace tax credit on COBRA | Can cost a lot; you keep your doctors only if you keep that plan |
| FL state continuation | Florida’s version for some small insured job plans | Tell the insurer in writing within 63 days; then 30 days to sign up after its form arrives | Up to 115% of the full price; no Marketplace tax credit | The rules are not the same as federal COBRA, so read the notice |
| Medicaid / CHIP | Public coverage if you qualify | Apply at any time | Your income and household decide if you qualify | Not a Marketplace plan; you must use the official application |
| Spouse plan | Join your spouse’s (or a family member’s) job plan, if allowed | At least 30 days after your other coverage ends | The employer may pay part of the cost for the worker; cost for family members varies | You need proof your coverage ended; HR deadlines are strict |
This table is for learning, not advice. Check each deadline with HealthCare.gov, your COBRA or continuation notice, or your spouse’s plan before you enroll.
Marketplace Special Enrollment after job loss
If you lose job-based coverage, you can usually get a Special Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov. You can pick a plan from 60 days before to 60 days after your coverage ends. Dropping your job plan on purpose, or losing it for not paying, does not count. If you pick COBRA and later drop it on purpose, that does not count either. When your COBRA runs out, you can pick a Marketplace plan then.
- If you can, start gathering papers before your last day of coverage.
- Report your coverage end date correctly. As of October 2, 2026, under current law, starting January 1, 2027, HealthCare.gov must check most new special enrollment requests before coverage starts, so keep your proof.
- Compare plans for your exact ZIP code. Orlando and Orange County plans are not the same as plans in other Florida counties.
- The Marketplace application decides your APTC (tax credit) and, if you qualify, your CSR (lower costs, often with Silver plans). No agent can promise a number.
If you miss your Special Enrollment Period, you may need to wait for Open Enrollment, unless another life change lets you enroll.
In Orlando / Orange County
Hospitals, specialists, and Marketplace plans are not the same in every county and ZIP code. After a layoff in the Orlando area:
- List the doctors, clinics, and drug stores you use in Orange County (and nearby counties if you go there for care).
- Check if your drugs are on each plan’s drug list.
- If you keep COBRA for a while, mark the end of your Marketplace Special Enrollment Period on your calendar, so you don’t lose both choices.
- Self-employed next? See self-employed health insurance in Orlando or our main health insurance in Orlando guide.
Document checklist
- Your last day of work and your last day of job coverage (they can be different).
- The COBRA or Florida continuation notice from your employer or insurer.
- Proof your coverage ended, like a letter from your employer or insurer, or the papers HealthCare.gov asks for.
- Who in your household needs coverage, their Social Security numbers (if they have them), and the citizenship or immigration facts the application asks for.
- Your income estimate for the year (pay stubs, unemployment, your spouse’s income, and 1099 income you expect).
- A list of your Orlando-area doctors and drugs.
- Your spouse’s plan booklet or HR contact, if you want to join that plan.
- Your HealthCare.gov username and password (make the account early).
Common mistakes after a Florida layoff
- Waiting until the Special Enrollment Period is over and thinking you can enroll at any time.
- Thinking Florida has its own exchange. ACA tax credits for people and families come through HealthCare.gov.
- Missing COBRA or continuation deadlines. They may be shorter than you think, mainly for state continuation.
- Picking by monthly price alone without checking Orange County doctors and drug lists.
- Not checking Medicaid or CHIP when your income drops.
- Missing the window to join a spouse’s plan while you only look at the Marketplace.
- Using copycat “Florida marketplace” sites. Use HealthCare.gov and check your agent’s license (NPN).
- Thinking an agent can promise a tax credit amount—the amount comes from your HealthCare.gov application.