Option 1: Buy a health plan through Nevada Health Link
If you leave your job for any reason and lose your job-based insurance, you can buy a Nevada Health Link plan. Plans offered through Nevada Health Link are typically cheaper than COBRA coverage. Losing job-based coverage, even if you quit or get fired, qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, but only if you apply within 60 days of losing coverage.
Your coverage can start the first day of the month after you lose your insurance.
- When you fill out a Nevada Health Link application, you'll find out if you qualify for savings on your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket health care costs based on your income.
- Create an account to apply any time. Or, before logging in you can preview plans and estimated prices for a Nevada Health Link plan based on your income.
However, you may not be able to keep the same plan you had through your employer. When you apply for coverage, you will have to confirm if your health care provider is in network and/or if your current medications are covered.
Option 2: Sign up for COBRA coverage
You may be able to keep your job-based health plan through COBRA continuation coverage.
COBRA is a federal law that may let you pay to stay on your employee health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee.
- To learn about your COBRA options, contact your employer.
However, having coverage from COBRA is usually more expensive than the plans offered through Nevada Health Link.