<prompt> Human: Im 25yoM and just quit a job I hated. I have an emergency fund that should last me 8 months assuming no unexpected life expenses.I dont have another job or any plans lined up, I want to take a month to recharge before looking for another job. How does health insurance work if I dont get it through an employer?Also, is there anything else I should think of while being unemployed? Ive already taken into account not having my gym and public transportation subsidized.  <response>: Since you are under 26, you can be covered by a parents plan, if they are amenable to that.You can sign up for a plan on the healthcare exchange established as part of the ACA Obamacare at You can contact insurers directly or sign up through some sort of club e.g., Costco offers their own health care marketplace to members in some states.You also unless you were actually fired for gross misconduct qualify for COBRA, which allows you to continue your coverage under your employers plan at your own expense. This is usually very expensive since your employer is not sharing the cost, but you can sign up for it retroactively once you need coverage. This is basically the only time when you can get retroactive health coverage. However, going without health insurance might open you up to penalties though that might change very quickly under the new President.You may also qualify for social safety net programs e.g., Medicaid. 