Losing employer insurance, where should I look? - any advice?

My employer coverage ended at the end of the month and I am trying to work out what to do as an electrician's helper. This is my first time dealing with any of this. I do not want a gap in coverage. How fast did coverage start?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.

A free navigator at a community health centre walked me through my options. It took an hour and saved me a lot of guessing.