Gaining a new job usually won't cause you to lose health coverage.

Which of the following would NOT be a reason for losing health coverage?

• A. Moving to a different state
• B. Gaining a new job
• C. Not paying your premium on time
• D. An increase in income

Answer: (B)

Gaining a new job typically does not lead to losing health coverage; in fact, it often offers an opportunity to obtain new health benefits. When someone starts a new job, they may gain access to an employer-sponsored health plan, which could be better or different from their previous coverage. Moving to a different state can lead to losing health coverage if the current plan does not offer coverage in that state. Not paying your premium on time would lead to a loss of coverage, as health insurers typically terminate policies for non-payment. An increase in income can also impact coverage, particularly for individuals who receive subsidies through the Marketplace, as exceeding certain income thresholds may make them ineligible for financial assistance or Medicaid. Thus, gaining a new job is primarily seen as a catalyst for potentially enhancing or changing health coverage rather than losing it.

Health coverage feels like a safety net you don’t notice until you need it. Then a small change—moving, a new job, or a bump in income—can turn that net into a maze. If you’ve ever wondered what could make you lose coverage, you’re not alone. Here’s a clear, relatable breakdown of four scenarios and how they typically affect your health benefits.

Quick take: Which one would NOT cause you to lose coverage?

Answer: Gaining a new job. That’s usually a doorway to new coverage options, not a straight path to losing what you already have. The other three situations can lead to changes or gaps if you don’t handle them carefully. Let me walk you through why that is and what to watch out for.

Let’s unpack each scenario in plain terms

A. Moving to a different state

Moving is exciting—new neighborhoods, new routines—but it also shakes up your coverage. Here’s the gist: your current plan is built to work in a certain geography. If you pick up sticks and relocate to a place your plan doesn’t cover, you could lose access to that plan once you’re out of its service area. Even if your insurer is big and national, state rules and networks can differ. You might need to enroll in a plan that’s offered in your new state, switch to a plan through your new employer, or explore state-specific options whether that’s through the Marketplace or Medicaid programs.

This isn’t about blame or bad timing. It’s about how health plans are organized. Think of it like switching utility providers when you move—your current arrangement may not translate exactly across the border, even if the company serves multiple regions. The key is to ask questions early: “Will my coverage travel with me? Do I need to re-enroll? What are the deadlines if I’ve moved?” A quick check-in with your insurer or the Get Covered Illinois resources can spare you a lot of headaches.

B. Gaining a new job

Here’s the moment of good news: a new job often opens doors to employer-sponsored coverage, which can be better, more affordable, or simply different from what you had before. Some people worry that starting a new job means losing their current coverage, but that’s not the automatic outcome. Here’s what typically happens:

• You may be offered a new employer plan. You’ll decide whether to enroll, keep a very similar plan if your old coverage continues during a transition, or choose a different option.

• If you were getting subsidies or Medicaid based on income, a big change in earnings could change your eligibility. You’ll want to compare whether the new employer plan plus potential subsidies gives you better value, or if you should stick with an old plan during a transition.

• There can be timing headaches. You might have a gap if the old plan ends before the new one starts, or if there’s a misalignment in enrollment periods. Staying informed and coordinating dates is half the battle.

Some people fear losing coverage when a job changes, but in reality a new job can be a springboard to more comprehensive or cost-effective protection. The trick is to stay proactive: get the new plan details, understand the enrollment windows, and map out how your current coverage ends and when the new coverage begins. The goal is continuity with minimal hassle, not a scramble at the last minute.

C. Not paying your premium on time

This one is more straightforward, but it’s also the easiest to prevent with a plan. If premiums aren’t paid, most insurers will terminate the policy after a grace period. No payment, no coverage—simple as that. The exact timing varies by plan and state, but the principle is consistent: keep your account current if you want to stay protected.

People fall into this trap for all kinds of reasons: misdirected payments, a temporarily tight month, or a simple oversight. The result is the same—coverage can end, and that’s a big deal if you’ve already started a course of treatment or rely on regular prescriptions. A practical tip: set up automatic payments or reminders, and keep a small safety buffer on your premium account so a busy week doesn’t become a coverage lapse.

D. An increase in income

Money changes everything, right? In health coverage terms, rising income can affect your eligibility for certain subsidies or Medicaid. If you qualify for financial help based on income, a jump could push you over the threshold where that help applies, meaning you might pay more for premiums or lose some subsidies. It doesn’t automatically mean you lose coverage; it might just change how much you pay or which plan makes the most sense for your situation.

This is one of those “check-in” moments that many people overlook. It’s worth revisiting your income once a year or after a major raise to see what impact it has on your enrollment options. A higher income doesn’t have to mean a worse situation—it could prompt a better plan fit or a different approach to coverage that saves you money in the long run.

The bottom line: which scenario is the exception?

• Gaining a new job is the scenario most people view as a potential disruption, but it’s actually the one that tends to broaden your coverage options. It can be a gateway to a plan that works better for your life and finances.

• The other scenarios—relocating, skipping premium payments, or income fluctuations—are more commonly tied to changes in coverage status if not managed with a little planning.

Helpful moves to stay covered and make smart choices

• Do a quick coverage audit whenever life changes: a move, a job change, a shift in income, or a big personal milestone. Compare your current plan, any new employer options, and what’s available on the Marketplace locally.

• Update your information as soon as it changes: address, income, household size, and employment status. These updates can affect eligibility and costs, so timely changes help you avoid surprises.

• Talk to a real person when you’re unsure: navigator services, helplines, and local get help desks can walk you through options. If you’re in Illinois, the Get Covered Illinois resources can connect you with guidance on available plans and eligibility.

• Watch for enrollment windows. Some life events open special enrollment periods, while others require you to act within a set timeframe. If you miss a window, you might have to wait until the next normal period.

• Keep a payment perch: set autopay if possible, and keep a small contingency fund for premiums. A missed payment is a quick path to coverage loss, and it’s easier to prevent than to recover from a lapse.

A few real-world touchpoints

• A friend moved from the Chicago area to a neighboring state for school and found that their plan didn’t travel with them. The situation wasn’t a disaster, but it required a quick re-evaluation of options in the new state. It underscored the importance of checking coverage maps before a move.

• A coworker started a new job with benefits and realized their old plan might still be worth keeping for a transitional period due to network differences. They did a side-by-side comparison and found a blend of employer coverage and limited-term continuation realities that worked best for their family.

• Another person saw subsidies cut back after a salary bump and used a quick annual check-in to switch to a plan that reduced overall costs despite a higher premium. The change didn’t feel dramatic, but the dollars-and-cents math added up.

Where to look and who can help

• Get Covered Illinois offers a straightforward path to find, compare, and enroll in available health coverage options. If you’re navigating shifts in life—new job, move, or income changes—you’ll benefit from a guided overview that helps you see your choices clearly.

• You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Local insurers, consumer assistance programs, and community organizations are there to help you interpret terms, compare plans, and figure out eligibility without the jargon fog.

In practice, the key is balance. You want coverage that’s reliable, affordable, and adaptable to your life. The right plan helps you focus on your studies, your work, and your daily routine instead of worrying about medical bills or gaps in protection. The news here is good: most life changes aren’t inherently “coverage killers.” They’re prompts to reassess, re-compare, and re-choose the option that best fits your current situation.

A quick recap to keep you on track

• The only option that typically doesn’t cause loss of coverage is gaining a new job. It can expand your options and even improve protection.

• Moving to a new state can disrupt coverage if your plan isn’t valid there; plan ahead and check networks.

• Not paying premiums on time = risk of termination. Set reminders and automate whenever possible.

• Income increases can adjust subsidies or Medicaid eligibility; review annually to see how your numbers affect costs and options.

If you’re ever unsure, a quick call or chat with Get Covered Illinois resources can clarify your status and help you map out practical steps. Coverage isn’t a mystery puzzle; it’s a living thing that adapts as your life changes. With a little proactive checking and a clear sense of your goals, you’ll stay protected without missing a beat.

And if you’ve got a real-life scenario in mind—one you’ve seen or heard about—share a brief snapshot. We can walk through the likely outcomes and pinpoint practical next steps that keep you covered while you chase your next big move.