Losing your employer-sponsored health insurance doesn't have to mean going uninsured - you have options outside of potentially expensive COBRA premiums.

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Losing your employee-sponsored health insurance qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This is a 60-day window that allows you to sign up for a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, even if the standard annual Open Enrollment window is closed.

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Here is exactly how to navigate the process, determine whether you need to use the federal or a state marketplace, and secure your new coverage.

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Your Enrollment Window

You typically have 60 days from the day your employer-sponsored insurance ends to enroll in a Marketplace plan.

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• If you enroll before your job-based coverage officially ends: Your new plan will start the first day of the month after your old coverage ends, preventing any gap.
• If you enroll after your coverage ends: Your new plan will typically start the first day of the month following your enrollment in the marketplace.

Important Note: Do not wait until day 61. If you miss this 60-day window, you may have to wait until the next annual Open Enrollment period to sign up (which is typically January 1st).

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Federal vs. State Marketplaces

The United States utilizes two different types of online platforms for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance. Where you live determines which website you must use.

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1. The Federal Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)

The federal government runs the central exchange platform for most states. If your state does not run its own local platform, this is where you go.

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• How it works: If your state utilizes the federal marketplace, you can start the application process directly through your Kept account! When you walk through your benefit options on the Kept website you’ll be directed to create an account on HealthCare.gov. The system will automatically assess your eligibility for premium tax credits (subsidies) based on your projected household income for the current calendar year.
• Verification: The federal platform may require proof of your qualifying life event. Within 30 days of picking a plan, you will likely need to upload a document—such as a termination letter from your previous employer or your COBRA notice sent by Kept—to officially activate your plan.

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2. State-Based Marketplaces

Many states operate their own fully independent health insurance marketplaces. They do not use HealthCare.gov.

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• How it works: If you live in one of these states, you must use your state's dedicated website (e.g., Covered California, New York's NY State of Health, or Pennsylvania's Pennie).
• Key Differences: State-based marketplaces have the exact same baseline protections as the federal site, but they control their own rules. This means your local state marketplace might feature:
  
  • Unique local financial assistance programs or additional state-level subsidies that make plans cheaper than the federal baseline.
  • Slightly different user interfaces and state-specific customer support centers.
  • Different local document verification processes for your Special Enrollment Period.

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Which should you use?

If you go to HealthCare.gov and enter your ZIP code, the site will tell you which platform to use. If you live in a state-run marketplace, it will provide a direct link to redirect you to your local state site automatically.

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Add Kept as Your Designated Broker

Navigating the marketplace alone can be confusing, but you don't have to do it by yourself. During your application on either the federal or state marketplace, you have the option to designate a chosen broker to your account.

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Why add a broker?

Adding our team at Kept as your designated broker costs you absolutely nothing—your insurance premiums will remain exactly the same. However, assigning us allows our experts to securely access your application so we can:

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• Guide you through the initial enrollment and make sure you get the maximum tax subsidy.
• Handle your annual renewals to help you avoid a lapse in coverage.
• Advocate on your behalf for ongoing questions, billing issues, or claims disputes throughout the year.

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How to add Kept to your application:

When filling out your marketplace application, look for a section titled "Help Applying for Coverage", "Assister Information", or "Find Local Help". Choose the option to select an independent agent or broker, and input the following information:

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• First Name: Christopher
• Last Name: Reynoso
• Agency Name: Kept Inc
• National Producer Number (NPN): 16473489

Once added, our team will automatically be linked to your file and can begin assisting you with your transition. If you have any trouble  feel free to contact our support team at cobra@kept.io. 

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Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide

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Follow these steps to get covered on the Marketplace:

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1: Gather Your Documents

Before sitting down to apply, ensure you have:

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• Your Social Security Number (and those of any family members enrolling with you).
• A copy of your termination letter or proof of insurance expiration (showing the date your coverage ends).
• An estimate of your total household income for the current calendar year (including any severance package, unemployment benefits, or income earned earlier in the year).

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2: Create an Account & Apply

Go to HealthCare.gov or your state’s marketplace website. Select "Start an Application" and make sure to indicate that you recently lost (or will lose) job-based coverage. This unlocks the Special Enrollment Period application.

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3: Compare Plans and Subsidies

The platform will calculate your financial assistance. Even if you are currently receiving unemployment, your premium subsidies will be calculated using your total expected income for the entire calendar year. Review the available tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and choose a plan that fits your healthcare needs and budget.

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4: Submit Verification and Pay Your Premium

If prompted, upload your proof of coverage loss right away. Once your enrollment is confirmed, you must pay your first monthly premium directly to the insurance company (not the Marketplace website) for your coverage to officially become active. The Marketplace website will help you make your first payment and provide instructions to complete this step.

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