Florida coverage-loss review

Compare the deadline, effective date, network, and full cost before choosing COBRA or Marketplace coverage.

Losing qualifying job-based or other coverage may create a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period. COBRA can preserve the same group plan for a period, while Marketplace coverage may offer different plans and income-based premium tax credits. Neither path is automatically cheaper or better.

Direct answer: Keep the coverage-end notice, COBRA election packet, current plan details, projected household income, and provider/prescription list together. Confirm the replacement effective date before ending active coverage or waiving COBRA.
Start a coverage-loss review Call David

When COBRA may deserve a close look

  • You need continuity with the existing network, deductible progress, or ongoing treatment.
  • The employer plan covers family members or services differently from available individual plans.
  • You need a short bridge and understand the premium and election deadlines.

When Marketplace coverage may deserve a close look

  • Your projected household income may support premium tax credits.
  • You can accept a new network, formulary, deductible, and cost-sharing structure.
  • You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and can document the loss of coverage.

Deadline-first comparison checklist

  1. Record the last day of active coverage and the date each notice was received.
  2. Confirm the COBRA election deadline, monthly premium, retroactive effective-date rules, and payment deadline from the plan administrator.
  3. Confirm the Marketplace Special Enrollment Period and any document request in the eligibility notice.
  4. Compare exact provider, facility, prescription, pharmacy, deductible, and maximum out-of-pocket details.
  5. Confirm when the replacement plan starts. Do not rely on an application, payment, or website confirmation alone if the carrier has not effectuated coverage.

If Medicaid or CHIP is ending, use the Marketplace application’s Medicaid/CHIP loss questions and review the resulting eligibility notice. Current HealthCare.gov guidance provides a different post-loss window for Medicaid or CHIP than the general job-based coverage window, so use the exact end date and current notice rather than assuming every loss follows 60 days. A denial for missing paperwork is not the same as a final eligibility determination.

Primary sources

Current coverage notices and Marketplace eligibility results control.