When you lose job-based insurance, you may be offered COBRA continuation coverage by your former employer.
- If you’re losing job-based coverage and haven’t signed up for COBRA, learn about your rights and options under COBRA from the Georgia Insurance Department.
- If you decide not to take COBRA coverage, you can enroll in a plan through Georgia Access instead. Losing job-based coverage qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. This means you have 60 days to enroll in a health plan, even if it’s outside the annual Open Enrollment Period.
See 2025 plans and prices to compare them to your COBRA coverage or offer
If you already have COBRA coverage
If you’re already enrolled in COBRA, you may have options at Georgia Access.
| Can you change from COBRA to a plan through Georgia Access? | |||
| If your COBRA is running out | If you’re ending COBRA early | If your COBRA costs change because your former employer stops contributing and you must pay full cost | |
| During Open Enrollment | Yes, you can change. | Yes, you can change. | Yes, you can change. |
| Outside Open Enrollment | Yes, you can change — you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. | No, you can’t change until the next Open Enrollment Period, your COBRA runs out, or you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period another way. | Yes, you can change — you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. |