Divorce Qualifies You for a Special Enrollment Period
If you were covered under your spouse's employer plan or marketplace plan, losing that coverage through divorce triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. You can enroll in your own ACA marketplace plan regardless of when Open Enrollment is.
Your income is changing — that affects your subsidies. Post-divorce, your household income is based on YOUR income alone, not your combined marital income. This often means you qualify for larger subsidies than you'd expect. Many newly single adults qualify for $0–$50/month plans.
What to Do Step by Step
- Know your coverage end date. Your spouse's plan may cover you through the end of the month of your divorce, or it may end immediately. Get this date from the plan administrator.
- Apply for marketplace coverage within 60 days of losing your previous coverage.
- Estimate your post-divorce income carefully. Use only YOUR projected income — not your ex-spouse's. Lower income = higher subsidies.
- Don't forget your children. If you have custody, your children qualify for coverage under your new plan. Family plans may qualify for additional subsidies.
COBRA vs. Marketplace After Divorce
You may be offered COBRA to continue your ex-spouse's employer plan. This is usually far more expensive than a subsidized marketplace plan — often $500–$700/month vs. $0–$150/month. Always compare before choosing COBRA.
Key Numbers
Last updated: March 30, 2026.
