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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does COBRA make sense?
When you have ongoing major treatment with current providers — switching plans risks losing in-network specialists. Or short gap < 3 months between employers.
Do I lose ACA eligibility on COBRA?
No. You can drop COBRA mid-month and switch to ACA during special enrollment (60 days from job loss) or open enrollment (Nov-Jan).
Is my data private?
Yes. Calculations run in your browser. Inputs are never sent or stored.