COBRA vs ACA Marketplace Cost

COBRA = full premium + 2% admin. Marketplace = unsubsidized premium with possible subsidy.

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Result

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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

Why is COBRA so expensive?+
You're paying both employee + employer share + 2%. Employer was previously covering 70-80%.
When does ACA win?+
Almost always — unless you have ongoing pre-existing care relationship that requires staying with current network.
Subsidy calculation?+
Premium tax credit caps Silver-plan premium at 0-8.5% of income. Use healthcare.gov calculator for exact figure.
Network change risk?+
COBRA: same network you had. ACA: may have different doctors. Check network before switching mid-treatment.
Special enrollment period?+
Job loss / qualifying event grants 60-day SEP. After that, must wait until November open enrollment.

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