Reviewed by a licensed health insurance agent. HealthPlusLife agents are licensed in all 50 states. Plan data sourced from Healthcare.gov, CMS.gov, and KFF Health Policy. Call 888-828-5064.
Health Insurance Between Jobs With No Income in 2026
Leaving a job to start a business, take a break, or transition careers? Here is what you qualify for at every income level – including free options many people do not know exist.
TTY 711 | Licensed in 50 states | Free, no-obligation quote
Quick Answer: Adults with no income or income below $20,782 may qualify for free Medicaid in most expansion states with no monthly premium. Adults with projected income $20,783 to $60,240 qualify for ACA subsidies that can make marketplace plans $0 to $100 per month. Key insight: savings and assets do not count – only income. U65 private health insurance is available year-round for those who prefer immediate next-day coverage without income verification at enrollment. Call 888-828-5064 to find your best option today.
📊 According to CMS.gov, 40 states plus Washington D.C. have expanded Medicaid under the ACA as of 2026. In expansion states, adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (approximately $20,782 for a single adult) qualify for free Medicaid regardless of whether they are employed. Assets and savings are not counted in Medicaid eligibility in expansion states – only current income.
Health Insurance Options by Income Level When Between Jobs
| Projected Annual Income | Best Option | Monthly Cost | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 to $20,782 (expansion state) | Medicaid | Free | Year-round, apply any day |
| $0 to $20,782 (non-expansion state) | Limited options – call 888-828-5064 | Varies | Depends on state |
| $20,783 to $35,000 | ACA marketplace Silver with subsidy | $0 to $60 | 60-day SEP from job loss or open enrollment |
| $35,001 to $60,240 | ACA marketplace Silver with subsidy | $60 to $250 | 60-day SEP from job loss or open enrollment |
| Above $60,240 | U65 private insurance | $155 to $500 | Any day, year-round, next-day start |
| Uncertain income (starting business) | Compare Medicaid, ACA, and U65 with agent | Varies | Call 888-828-5064 for income-specific modeling |
Find Out What Health Insurance You Qualify For Between Jobs
A licensed HealthPlusLife agent checks your Medicaid eligibility, ACA subsidy amount, and U65 private options based on your projected income in one free call. Call 888-828-5064 | TTY 711 | Free quote.
The Savings vs Income Distinction: Why You May Qualify For More Than You Think
The most important thing to understand about health insurance between jobs is that savings, home equity, investment accounts, and net worth do not count for ACA subsidy or Medicaid eligibility in most states. Only income received during the current calendar year is counted.
A person who left a $120,000 per year job on June 1 has earned approximately $60,000 from January through May. If they expect to earn $0 for the rest of the year, their projected annual income is $60,000 – right at the subsidy threshold. If they draw from savings rather than taking on freelance work, they may be able to manage their income below the threshold and qualify for meaningful ACA subsidies for the second half of the year.
- Dividends and capital gains from investments: These count as income – plan accordingly
- Traditional IRA or 401k withdrawals: These count as income – consider Roth withdrawals if available
- Roth IRA withdrawals: Qualified distributions are excluded from ACA MAGI
- Savings account interest: Counts as income if reported on 1099-INT
- Gifts, inheritance, principal paydowns: Generally do not count as income
The most common surprise for people calling us between jobs is that they qualify for far better coverage than they expected. Someone who left a good job has savings, no income, and assumes they are going to pay $700 a month for COBRA. We look at their projected income for the year, confirm they are below the threshold, and show them a Silver plan at $40 per month with the ACA subsidy. That is a $660 per month difference from what they were expecting. We see this scenario multiple times every day.
Licensed HealthPlusLife Agent, Fort Lauderdale, FL
More Job Loss and Gap Coverage Guides
Find Out What Health Insurance You Qualify For Today
Speak to a licensed HealthPlusLife agent today. We compare U65, private, and ACA plans at no cost to you.
Licensed in all 50 states | Free quote | No obligation | Coverage as fast as tomorrow
Related guides: gap coverage between jobs | ACA subsidy eligibility | need health insurance now no job | COBRA alternatives
