COBRA vs ACA Marketplace Cost
COBRA = full premium + 2% admin. Marketplace = unsubsidized premium with possible subsidy.
Result
Cheaper option
ACA
ACA saves $4,800 over 12 months.
- COBRA monthly$800
- ACA unsubsidized$600
- ACA subsidy$200
- ACA net monthly$400
- Months12
- COBRA total$9,600
- ACA total$4,800
- Difference$4,800
Step-by-step
- COBRA total = 800 × 12 = $9,600.
- ACA total = (600 − 200) × 12 = $4,800.
- ACA is cheaper by $4,800.
How to use this calculator
- Get COBRA quote from prior HR.
- Get ACA Silver-plan quote at healthcare.gov.
- Estimate subsidy if income qualifies.
About this calculator
COBRA lets you keep employer health insurance for up to 18 months after job loss, but you pay full premium + 2% admin (typically $600-1500/mo for individual, $1500-3000 family). ACA marketplace plans are usually cheaper, especially with subsidies — premium tax credits cover much of cost for incomes under 400% federal poverty line ($60k single / $124k family in 2025). Special enrollment period triggered by job loss.
Frequently asked
You're paying both employee + employer share + 2%. Employer was previously covering 70-80%.
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