Losing a spouse is one of life’s most painful experiences. Aside from emotional grief, it can also mean losing your health insurance coverage — especially if you were on your partner’s employer-sponsored plan. In 2025, there are several options available that can help you stay covered, even during this difficult time.
This guide explains step-by-step what to do, including:
- COBRA continuation coverage
- ACA Marketplace (Obamacare) plans
- Medicaid eligibility
- Short-term insurance
- Help for older adults, widows, and low-income spouses
👩⚕️ Step 1: Know Your Special Enrollment Rights
If you were on your spouse’s health insurance, losing them qualifies as a Special Enrollment Event under U.S. law.
You have 60 days from the date of your spouse’s death to:
✅ Sign up for a new plan on HealthCare.gov
✅ Apply for Medicaid
✅ Enroll in COBRA (up to 36 months of continuation coverage)
Tip: Don’t wait. Missing the 60-day window could leave you uninsured until the next open enrollment.
🔁 Option 1: Stay on the Same Plan Through COBRA
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows you to keep your late spouse’s employer plan for up to 36 months.
✅ Pros:
- You keep the same doctors and network
- No paperwork needed if you were already covered
❌ Cons:
- Very expensive — You’ll pay the full premium (often $500–$1,500/month)
- No subsidies or financial help
📝 To Apply:
Contact the HR department of your spouse’s employer. They must notify you of COBRA rights within 14–30 days of the death.
🌐 Option 2: ACA Marketplace Plans (Obamacare)
Through the Affordable Care Act, you can buy health insurance based on your income — not your health or employment.
If your household income dropped after your spouse passed, you may now qualify for very low-cost or even free coverage.
✅ ACA Benefits:
- Monthly premiums based on income (as low as $0)
- Includes doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, mental health
- Guaranteed coverage — no one can be denied
📝 To Apply:
Go to HealthCare.gov within 60 days and choose “Loss of spouse” as your qualifying event.
2025 Tip: Most states now offer expanded subsidies, even for middle-income earners.
🩺 Option 3: Medicaid (For Low-Income or Older Adults)
If your income dropped significantly after losing your spouse, you might now be eligible for Medicaid.
Eligibility in 2025:
- Income under ~$20,000/year (varies by state)
- No assets test in many states
- Coverage includes hospital, doctors, prescriptions, and mental health
Good Fit For:
- Widows/widowers with little or no income
- Stay-at-home spouses
- Seniors without retirement income
📝 Apply at your state’s Medicaid office or through Healthcare.gov.
⏳ Option 4: Short-Term Health Insurance (Temporary Option)
If you missed the 60-day ACA window or need quick coverage, consider short-term health insurance.
- Available in most states for up to 12 months
- Covers basic emergencies and doctor visits
- Low monthly premiums (but high deductibles)
⚠️ Warning: Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions or maternity. Not a long-term solution.
🧓 If You’re 60+ or Near Retirement Age
If you’re close to Medicare eligibility (age 65):
- You can apply for ACA or Medicaid to bridge the gap until Medicare
- Widows may be eligible for Social Security Survivor Benefits, which help with income-based subsidies
📝 Learn more at SSA.gov.
📋 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Option | Coverage Length | Monthly Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| COBRA | Up to 36 months | High ($800–$1500) | Keep same plan & doctors |
| ACA Plan | Long-term | Low or free | Most widowed spouses |
| Medicaid | Ongoing | Free | Low-income or no income |
| Short-Term Plan | Up to 12 months | Low | Emergency gap coverage |
💡 Real-Life Example: Karen from New Jersey
Karen, 52, lost her husband to cancer in early 2025. She was a homemaker and had no personal income. COBRA would’ve cost her $1,000/month. Instead, she filed a zero-income ACA application on HealthCare.gov and now pays $0/month with full coverage.
🧠 Mental Health Support
Losing a spouse can cause grief, anxiety, and depression. Most ACA and Medicaid plans now include:
- Therapy or counseling
- Online mental health visits
- Prescription medication for anxiety or sleep
💡 Need Help? Call 988 — the national mental health helpline (24/7, free, confidential).
📝 Checklist: What You’ll Need to Apply
- Proof of spouse’s death (death certificate)
- Your estimated annual income (for ACA)
- Social Security numbers (yours and your spouse’s)
- Proof of residency and ID
- Any income or tax documentation
✅ Final Thoughts
No one should have to worry about medical bills during a time of grief. After losing a spouse, you may feel overwhelmed — but you’re not alone, and you do have options.
Take time to understand your choices and act quickly to ensure continuous coverage. Whether you choose COBRA, ACA, or Medicaid, you can stay protected without financial stress.
💡 Start now at: www.HealthCare.gov