 [ Symptoms ] i am unemployed and 47 years of age my cobra expires in may 2014  since my cobra expires around mid 2014 do i need to buy alternative obamacare exchange insurance by december 15 2013 effective march 2014 to ensure i will have both continuing coverage and face no penalty for 2014 how is the answer changed or impacted by 1  the potential for future employment with health benefits prior to the cobra eligibility expiration deadline 2  previous active duty u s veteran status honorably discharged but not pension eligible or 3  my state of residence ny [ Disease ] perhaps a little but constipation can be treated more effectively with many many other products like stool softeners and dietary changes