Lost Your Job? This Healthcare Fix Actually Works

Layoffs have become an unfortunate reality for workers across nearly every industry. Whether it's tech companies shedding thousands of positions or retailers closing stores, the employment landscape has left many Americans facing not just income insecurity, but the terrifying prospect of losing their health insurance.

We see it every day at Aura Insure. That moment when someone realizes their coverage ends with their employment, and panic sets in.

Don't panic. You have options.

The 60-Day Window You Need To Know About

When you lose job-based health insurance, a clock starts ticking. Most people don't realize they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. This gives you 60 days from the loss of your employer coverage to find a new plan – regardless of when during the year your layoff happens.

This is crucial information. Miss this window, and you might be stuck without affordable options until the next annual open enrollment period.

"But I can't afford health insurance without my employer contributing," you might say.

This is where many laid-off workers make a costly mistake.

COBRA Isn't Your Only Option (And Rarely Your Best One)

COBRA continuation coverage lets you stay on your employer's plan, but here's what they often don't explain clearly: you'll pay both your portion AND what your employer was contributing, plus a 2% administrative fee.

The sticker shock is real. We've seen COBRA premiums ranging from $600 to over $2,000 monthly for family coverage.

ACA marketplace plans through Aura Insure offer a more affordable alternative for most people who've experienced a layoff. Why? Because premium subsidies are based on your current expected income – not what you earned before losing your job.

Let me translate: lower income after job loss often means higher subsidies and significantly lower premiums.

Real Numbers For Real People

Take James, a marketing professional who lost his job last month. His COBRA would have cost $780 monthly. Through the ACA marketplace, we found him a comparable plan for $175 after subsidies – saving him over $7,200 per year while he job hunts.

Or Sarah, a retail manager supporting two children after her layoff. Her family COBRA option: $1,450 monthly. Her ACA Silver plan with dental coverage: just $125 monthly after subsidies applied.

These aren't outliers. We see similar savings every day.

How To Get Covered In Three Steps

The process of finding new coverage after a layoff is simpler than most realize:

Step 1: Gather documentation. Have your termination letter (showing your coverage end date), previous insurance information, and estimated income for the year.

Step 2: Explore your options. This is where we come in. At Aura Insure, we specialize in helping self-employed individuals and those between jobs find affordable coverage that protects their health without draining their savings.

Step 3: Enroll within your 60-day window. Once you've selected a plan, completing enrollment takes about 30 minutes, and we handle the paperwork headaches.

What About My Doctors?

Network compatibility is often a major concern. We check whether your preferred providers participate in the plans we recommend. Sometimes keeping your doctor means selecting a specific plan or insurance carrier – information that's challenging to navigate alone.

Many ACA plans have surprisingly broad networks, particularly in metropolitan areas. And remember, preventive care is covered at 100% on all ACA-compliant plans – something many people don't realize.

The Self-Employment Bridge

For many laid-off workers, the period between jobs becomes an opportunity to explore freelancing or consulting. If that's you, we've got good news: the health insurance marketplace was specifically designed to help self-employed individuals access affordable coverage.

Your estimated self-employment income factors into your subsidy calculations, and you can adjust your income projection if circumstances change throughout the year.

Protect Your Aura During Career Transitions

A job loss creates enough stress without adding healthcare worries. Maintaining continuous coverage protects not just your physical health, but your financial wellbeing and peace of mind – what we call "protecting your aura."

We've guided thousands through this exact transition, turning a potentially overwhelming process into a straightforward one.

The healthcare system is complex, but finding coverage doesn't have to be. Reach out within that crucial 60-day window, and we'll help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget while you navigate your next career move.

Layoffs may be beyond your control. Your healthcare coverage isn't.

Find your health plan today