No Insurance Through Work? Here Are Your Options

Not everyone gets health insurance from a job. Maybe you work for yourself, work part-time, or just lost your job. The good news? You still have options. Here are the main ones.

Option 1: A family member’s plan

• Under 26? You can usually stay on a parent’s plan until you turn 26, even if you’re married or living on your own.

• Married? You may be able to join your spouse’s plan at work.

This is often the easiest and cheapest choice, so check it first.

Option 2: The Health Insurance Marketplace

The Marketplace is a website where you can shop for plans and compare them. Most states use HealthCare.gov. Some states have their own site, so check your state’s dates.

Depending on your income, you may get help paying for your plan. This help is called a premium tax credit. It can lower your monthly cost.

You can sign up during open enrollment. For 2027 plans on HealthCare.gov, that’s November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. If you enroll after that, your coverage starts February 1.

Option 3: Medicaid and CHIP

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with lower incomes. Each state sets its own rules. CHIP covers kids in families who earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford other coverage. You can apply for both any time of year, not just during open enrollment.

Option 4: COBRA

If you leave a job, COBRA may let you keep your work plan for a while, often up to 18 months. The catch? You pay the whole cost yourself, plus a small fee. Your employer no longer chips in. That can make COBRA very expensive. Compare it with Marketplace plans before you decide.

Option 5: Medicare

If you’re 65 or older, or have certain disabilities, you may be able to get Medicare. This is health coverage from the federal government.

Lost your coverage? Don’t wait

If you lose your job-based coverage, you usually get a Special Enrollment Period. This lets you sign up for a Marketplace plan outside of open enrollment. You usually have 60 days, so act fast.

Meet Rosa

Rosa left her office job to start a cleaning business. Her COBRA cost would have been $650 a month. She checked HealthCare.gov instead. Based on her income, she qualified for a tax credit. She found a plan for much less each month, with the same doctors she already liked.

(Rosa and her numbers are an example.)

Key takeaways

• If you don’t get insurance through work, check a family member’s plan first.

• The Marketplace may help lower your cost based on your income.

• Medicaid and CHIP are open all year. Other plans have deadlines, so don’t wait.