You typically have 60 days from the loss of coverage (or the date you receive your COBRA election notice, whichever is later) to elect continuation coverage. If you miss this window, you lose the option to keep your existing plan through COBRA.
Coverage transitions are stressful. Whether you just left a job, got laid off, or you’re turning 26 and coming off a parent’s plan — the window to act is 60 days. Most people either don’t know all their options or don’t have time to evaluate them properly under pressure. That’s exactly when people call us.
At 316, we help Kansans figure out what makes the most sense in that window — quickly, clearly, and without pressure. The right answer depends on your specific situation, and we’ve seen enough of them to help you figure out yours.
COBRA lets you continue the exact employer health plan you had after a qualifying event — losing a job, having hours reduced, divorce, and others. You keep the same plan, same network, same doctors. The catch: you’re now paying the full premium yourself, including the portion your employer used to cover. That number is often $400–$700+ per month for a single person, and more for a family.
COBRA makes sense in specific situations — usually when you’re mid-treatment, have already met a significant portion of your deductible, or have a specialist relationship you need to preserve. For most people, especially younger and healthier ones, a Marketplace alternative is dramatically cheaper. We run the comparison for your situation before you decide.
Under the ACA, you can stay on a parent’s plan until 26. When that birthday hits, you lose that coverage — and you have a 60-day Special Enrollment Period to get your own. Miss it, and you’re likely waiting until the next Open Enrollment, potentially uninsured for months.
For most 26-year-olds, a Marketplace plan is the right first move — often at a premium that’s lower than expected if your income qualifies for subsidies. What type of plan makes sense depends on your income, how much healthcare you actually use, and which doctors matter to you. We walk through all of it.
For most people without active treatment or ongoing claims, ACA is cheaper. For people mid-treatment with a deductible already met, COBRA is often worth it short-term. We run the numbers for your situation.
Act within your 60-day window. Schedule a consultation now.
Schedule a ConsultationOr call: (316) 282-3440