Lost your job-based insurance? Take a deep breath — you have options. When you lose employer health insurance, it triggers a Special Enrollment Period, which means you can enroll in a new plan outside of Open Enrollment. So many people automatically choose COBRA because it feels like the “easy” option — but COBRA often means paying the full premium (plus fees) without employer contributions. That can cost hundreds (or even thousands) more per month. The right move depends on: ✔️ Your income ✔️ H