COBRA vs Marketplace ACA 2027 Cost Calculator

Compare COBRA (continue employer health insurance, full premium) vs ACA Marketplace (subsidized by income) 2027 — usually ACA much cheaper post-layoff.

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COBRA Mechanics

Continue employer health plan post-termination. Full premium (employee + employer share) + 2% admin fee. 18-36 months coverage. No income test.

ACA Marketplace

Buy individual policy at healthcare.gov. Subsidies based on income vs Federal Poverty Level (FPL). At 200% FPL, premium capped at 2% of income. At 400% FPL, 8.5%.

Special Enrollment

Job loss triggers Special Enrollment Period — 60 days to enroll in ACA. Use this window. After 60 days, must wait open enrollment (Nov-Jan).

When COBRA Wins

Need to keep current doctors/network. Mid-year deductible mostly met. Pre-existing condition + ACA carrier excludes treatment. Brief gap fill (under 60 days).

Source: healthcare.gov, cms.gov COBRA Notice rules. Last updated: May 2026.