COBRA vs Marketplace ACA 2027 Cost Comparison

Compare COBRA continuation vs Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace coverage for 2027 — including subsidies based on income and the 60-day special enrollment period after job loss.

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COBRA Premium

COBRA = continue employer plan for 18 months (29 disability, 36 dependent). Premium = full employer + employee cost + 2% admin fee. Often $700-$2,000/month for family. No subsidy unless employer subsidizes (rare).

ACA Marketplace Subsidy

Income-based premium tax credits cap premium at 8.5% of household income (post-2026 if extensions continue). At 400% FPL: enhanced subsidies cliff but 8.5% cap protects. Below 400% FPL: subsidies even larger.

Job Loss Special Enrollment

60 days from loss of employer coverage to enroll in ACA without waiting for open enrollment. Use this — don't sit on COBRA reflexively. Compare both numbers immediately upon termination.

Source: healthcare.gov ACA subsidies 2026, dol.gov COBRA rules. Last updated: May 2026.