<prompt> Human: Wife and I are both in healthcare. She recently finished school and got a job making more than both of us used to make combined. I took this opportunity to go back to school while working part time. As the title states she was unexpectedly fired. Unexpectedly because she had 2 years left on her contract and we missed the line they snuck in the contract about being able to terminate as long as they give 30 days notice. We have an emergency fund that will last us 4 months, but thats not including health insurance. Thats what this post is asking for help about specifically. We have 2 toddler age children so any gaps in insurance coverage makes me uneasy. HR from wifes job isnt even sure if we still have insurance. COBRA is an option but we would drain our emergency fund in 3 months going that route. I am asking specifically what are the wait times and requirements for Medicaid generally. I know this varies state by state, and my state is Arkansas if that helps.Edit: Thanks so much for the help. I didnt know cobra was retroactive and that eases my mind a ton. I think we will apply for Medicaid if eligible but use cobra after the fact if anything happens in the mean timeEdit2: Sorry for misusing the term fired. Wife was laid off not fired so yes we will be applying for unemployment  <response>: Also, really look and see if you can cut back expenditures to stretch that 4 months out a bit. Cancel the cable, get super coupon conscious, maybe even hit up the food bank for supplies, e.c.t. 