COBRA vs. Marketplace Insurance After Losing a Job

Use the free tool — Final Pay & COBRA Clock FL

Two clocks start when you lose your job

When you leave a job, your health plan must send you a COBRA notice. From the date on that notice, you get a 60-day election window to decide whether to sign up for COBRA continuation coverage, under federal COBRA rules (29 U.S.C. 1161–1169; 29 CFR 2590.606). Keep the envelope the notice came in — the real deadline runs from that notice, not from your last day of work.

COBRA vs. the Marketplace

Losing job-based coverage also opens a special-enrollment period on the ACA marketplace, as an alternative to COBRA. Which one costs less and covers what you need depends on your own plan and premium numbers.

COBRA lets you keep your same plan and doctors, but you may have to pay the full premium yourself.
The marketplace special-enrollment period lets you shop for a different plan, possibly with subsidies.

The tool can run the premium math side by side once you enter your own numbers, but it can't look up marketplace prices for you.

Your final paycheck and PTO still matter

Florida has no state law setting a deadline for your final paycheck. What applies instead is the federal FLSA "next regular payday" rule — you should be paid by your normal payday for that pay period. If you're not paid, the U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243) is free and can help.

Whether you're paid out for unused PTO or vacation depends on your employer's own written policy — Florida doesn't require it by state law. Check your handbook or ask HR directly to be sure.

What this tool can't tell you

This tool can't read your actual health plan documents, employer handbook, or COBRA notice. It can only work with what you describe. For your specific deadlines and dollar amounts, always check your plan's own notice and your employer's written policy.

What to do next

Final Pay & COBRA Clock FL is free, and it works in English and Spanish. Describe your last day, how you left, your pay schedule, your PTO policy, and your health plan. The tool reads your own numbers and dates — including the date on your COBRA notice — and computes your election window, compares COBRA and marketplace premium math, and drafts a letter to payroll about your final pay and PTO. It is not legal, tax, or benefits advice, and it doesn't file anything for you. Confirm your specific situation with your employer, plan administrator, or a professional.

Use the free tool

Final Pay & COBRA Clock FL is an informational tool based on the FLSA, COBRA (29 U.S.C. 1161–1169; 29 CFR 2590.606), the ACA special-enrollment rules, and Florida Statutes 448.08 as of 2025–26. It is not legal, tax or benefits advice and does not file anything. Plan-specific deadlines are in the plan's notices. It is not affiliated with any employer, insurer or agency.