Health insurance after a layoff in Washington
When you lose job-based coverage in Washington, 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). Washington runs its own marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder, at www.wahealthplanfinder.org. If your income dropped, you may also qualify for Apple Health.
Washington coverage, at a glance
Marketplace
Washington Healthplanfinder (state-run)
Enroll at
www.wahealthplanfinder.org
Special enrollment
60 days from losing job coverage
Medicaid
Apple Health, 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 www.wahealthplanfinder.org 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 www.wahealthplanfinder.org before you rely on them.
Washington health coverage FAQ
Where do I buy health insurance in Washington after a layoff?
Washington runs its own marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder. Enroll at www.wahealthplanfinder.org. 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 Washington if I lost my job?
Possibly. Washington expanded Medicaid (Apple Health), 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 Washington?
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 www.wahealthplanfinder.org 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 Washington
The official Washington 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 officialWashington site (www.wahealthplanfinder.org) or healthcare.gov before relying on them.