Health insurance after a layoff in Virginia
When you lose job-based coverage in Virginia, you have a 60-day window to enroll through the Marketplace, plus the option to keep your old plan through COBRA (usually at full price). Virginia runs its own marketplace, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace, at marketplace.virginia.gov. If your income dropped, you may also qualify for Cardinal Care.
Virginia coverage, at a glance
Marketplace
Virginia's Insurance Marketplace (state-run)
Enroll at
marketplace.virginia.gov
Special enrollment
60 days from losing job coverage
Medicaid
Cardinal Care, expanded (to ~138% FPL)
2026 update: the enhanced pandemic-era Marketplace subsidies expired December 31, 2025. Subsidies still exist but are smaller, and the income cutoff is back, so price your real numbers at marketplace.virginia.gov rather than assuming. If your income dropped a lot, a subsidized Marketplace plan can still beat COBRA.
Both clocks run about 60 days: COBRA gives you 60 days to elect (retroactive to when your plan ended), and the Marketplace gives you a 60-day Special Enrollment window. Don't let either run out.
This is general information, not insurance or financial advice. Confirm plans, prices, and eligibility at marketplace.virginia.gov before you rely on them.
Virginia health coverage FAQ
Where do I buy health insurance in Virginia after a layoff?
Virginia runs its own marketplace, Virginia's Insurance Marketplace. Enroll at marketplace.virginia.gov. Losing job-based coverage opens a 60-day Special Enrollment window, so you don't have to wait for open enrollment. You can also keep your old plan through COBRA, usually at full price.
Do I qualify for Medicaid in Virginia if I lost my job?
Possibly. Virginia expanded Medicaid (Cardinal Care), so adults can qualify based on current income (generally up to 138% of the federal poverty level). A job loss can make you newly eligible; you can apply any time, not just during open enrollment.
How long do I have to get a Marketplace plan in Virginia?
A 60-day Special Enrollment Period that starts when you lose job-based coverage. Subsidies are based on what you expect to earn this year, not last year, so enter your expected income at marketplace.virginia.gov to see your real cost. Note: 2026 subsidy rules changed (see below).
Keep going
COBRA vs. the Marketplace, compared
The two 60-day windows, the real costs, and the 2026 subsidy change.
File for unemployment in Virginia
The official Virginia portal, the waiting week, and what to have ready.
Health coverage in another state
Where to enroll and the Medicaid rules for every other state.
Reviewed June 2026. Marketplaces, subsidies, and Medicaid rules change; confirm current details at the officialVirginia site (marketplace.virginia.gov) or healthcare.gov before relying on them.