COBRA Calculator
Calculate continuation coverage costs and compare alternatives
Your Insurance Information
Your portion deducted from paycheck
Employer's contribution (check pay stub or HR)
For ACA subsidy calculation
Cost Analysis
Monthly COBRA Premium
$0
COBRA Cost Breakdown
ACA Marketplace Alternative
Cost Comparison
Recommendations
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When to Use COBRA Calculator
Job Loss Planning
Calculate COBRA costs immediately after job loss to compare with Marketplace options during 60-day decision window.
Budget Planning
Estimate total COBRA costs for severance period to budget emergency fund and determine affordability.
Ongoing Treatment
Evaluate COBRA for continuity of care during ongoing treatment to keep current doctors and avoid network changes.
Bridge to Medicare
Calculate COBRA costs for gap coverage between early retirement and Medicare eligibility at 65.
Divorce Planning
Compare 36-month COBRA costs with Marketplace for spouse losing coverage due to divorce or separation.
Subsidy Comparison
Calculate ACA subsidies based on reduced income to determine if Marketplace is more affordable than COBRA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COBRA health insurance?
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows you to continue employer-sponsored health insurance after job loss, reduced hours, or qualifying life events. Coverage lasts 18-36 months depending on qualifying event. You pay full premium (100% employer + employee share) plus 2% admin fee. COBRA preserves same coverage, doctors, and network but costs significantly more than when employed.
How much does COBRA cost?
COBRA costs average $700-$800/month individual, $1,800-$2,000/month family. You pay 102% of full premium (employer + employee portions + 2% admin fee). Example: if employer paid $500/month and you paid $200/month, COBRA costs $714/month ($700 × 102%). Costs vary by plan, location, and coverage level. Disability extension allows 150% premium charge for months 19-36.
How long does COBRA coverage last?
COBRA duration: 18 months for job loss or reduced hours. 36 months for divorce, legal separation, death of employee, loss of dependent status. 29 months if disabled within first 60 days of COBRA (11-month extension). Coverage ends if: you get new employer coverage, enroll in Medicare, fail to pay premiums, employer terminates group plan. Can switch to Marketplace during Special Enrollment Period.
Is COBRA worth it or should I use ACA Marketplace?
Choose COBRA if: ongoing treatment with current doctors, high medical expenses this year, already met deductible, need continuity of care, can afford high premiums. Choose Marketplace if: healthy with low medical needs, qualify for subsidies (income <400% FPL), want lower premiums, willing to change doctors/network. Marketplace often 50-70% cheaper with subsidies. Job loss triggers 60-day Special Enrollment Period.
When do I have to decide about COBRA?
You have 60 days from job loss or receipt of COBRA notice (whichever is later) to elect COBRA. Coverage is retroactive to termination date if elected. Can delay decision and elect later if needed (within 60 days). Must pay all back premiums. First payment due 45 days after election. Missing deadlines means losing COBRA eligibility permanently. Consider Marketplace during same 60-day Special Enrollment Period.
Can I switch from COBRA to Marketplace?
YES. Losing employer coverage (including COBRA ending) triggers 60-day Marketplace Special Enrollment Period. Can drop COBRA anytime to enroll in Marketplace, but may have coverage gap. Best strategy: elect COBRA for retroactive coverage, immediately apply for Marketplace with subsidy, switch when Marketplace coverage starts. COBRA exhaustion qualifies for Special Enrollment. Cannot switch back to COBRA once dropped.
What happens if I can't afford COBRA?
Alternatives to COBRA: 1) ACA Marketplace with subsidies (often 50-70% cheaper), 2) Spouse's employer plan (30-60 day Special Enrollment), 3) Medicaid if income <138% FPL in expansion states, 4) Short-term health insurance (cheaper but limited coverage), 5) Health sharing ministries (not insurance). Job loss qualifies for Marketplace Special Enrollment Period. Calculate subsidies - may get $0 premium plans.
Is this COBRA calculator free?
Yes, this COBRA calculator is completely free with no registration required. Calculate COBRA costs, compare with Marketplace alternatives, estimate subsidies, and determine best coverage option after job loss. Unlimited calculations, detailed cost comparisons, download results. No personal information needed, no spam, just instant calculations to help you make informed health insurance decisions.
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