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Between jobs · Waiting periods

New job, no coverage yet? How to cover the waiting period

Many employers make you wait before health coverage starts. Federal law caps that wait, and you may have more ways to fill the gap than you think.

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  • Waits capped at 90 days
  • 60 days to use a SEP
  • COBRA can bridge

Cover my gap

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Why we ask: Your ZIP and household size decide which plans and prices you can get. Your phone number and email go to Nexus Benefit Solutions only, to answer this request, and are never sold.

This is a request for help, not an application for coverage. Nexus Benefit Solutions is a private, independent agency and is not affiliated with HealthCare.gov, CMS, the State of Michigan or DIFS. Please don't include medical details in this form.

Short answerA group health plan can’t make an eligible employee wait more than 90 days for coverage to start.[1] To cover the gap: if you just lost job-based coverage, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan within 60 days;[2] you may be able to elect COBRA from your old employer;[3] or enroll during Open Enrollment, November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.[4]

Your options, by situation

  • Left a job that had coverage: losing qualifying coverage gives you a Special Enrollment Period if you apply within 60 days (or up to 60 days before it ends).[2] See lost job coverage.
  • COBRA: you pay the full premium, including the part your employer paid, plus a small administrative fee.[5] See COBRA vs. Marketplace.
  • No coverage before the new job: without a qualifying life event, Marketplace enrollment is limited to Open Enrollment.[6]

When the job coverage starts

  • If you have a Marketplace plan and get offered job-based coverage, you can keep or cancel the Marketplace plan, but you might not qualify for tax credits, even if you don’t take the job plan, if it’s affordable and meets the minimum value standard.[5]
  • Report the change on HealthCare.gov so your tax credit stays accurate.[7]

Sources

  1. eCFR, 29 CFR 2590.715-2708, Prohibition on waiting periods that exceed 90 days. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XXV/subchapter-B/part-2590/subpart-C/section-2590.715-2708
  2. HealthCare.gov, Special Enrollment Periods. https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/
  3. HealthCare.gov, COBRA coverage when you’re unemployed. https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage/
  4. HealthCare.gov, Dates and deadlines. https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/
  5. HealthCare.gov, Health coverage options if you’re unemployed (incl. what to do when you get a job). https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/coverage/
  6. HealthCare.gov glossary, Open Enrollment Period. https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/open-enrollment-period/
  7. HealthCare.gov, Reporting income & household changes after you’re enrolled. https://www.healthcare.gov/reporting-changes/

Checked October 16, 2026. 2027 Marketplace plans and final 2027 rates aren’t published yet; we’ll update this page when they are.

Frequently asked questions

How long can an employer make me wait for health insurance?

No more than 90 days for an otherwise eligible employee, under federal rules for group health plans.

Get my options or call 616-808-9426.

Can I buy a Marketplace plan while I wait for job benefits?

Yes if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, for example because you lost job-based coverage in the last 60 days, or during Open Enrollment (Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027).

Get my options or call 616-808-9426.

Can I keep my Marketplace plan after job coverage starts?

You can, but you may lose your tax credit if the job-based plan is affordable and meets minimum value. Report the change on HealthCare.gov.

Get my options or call 616-808-9426.

Will you sell my information?

No. Your information goes to Nexus Benefit Solutions only and is never sold.

Get my options or call 616-808-9426.

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