COBRA vs. ACA Marketplace: Which Saves You More?

For people who've lost employer health insurance, COBRA is almost always more expensive than an ACA marketplace plan with subsidies. The average COBRA premium for individual coverage is $700-$800/month, while marketplace plans with tax credits often cost $50-$300/month for comparable coverage.

Side-by-Side Comparison

COBRA

• Keeps your exact same plan and network
• Full premium cost: employer share + your share + 2% admin fee
• Available for 18 months (36 months in some cases)
• No income-based subsidies available
• Must elect within 60 days of job loss

ACA Marketplace

• New plan—may have different network and formulary
• Subsidies based on income can dramatically lower costs
• Plans available year-round with Special Enrollment Period
• All plans cover essential health benefits
• Must enroll within 60 days of losing coverage

When COBRA Makes Sense

COBRA may be worth it if you're mid-treatment with a specific provider who isn't in marketplace networks, you've already met your deductible for the year, or your income is too high for marketplace subsidies.

When the Marketplace Wins

In most cases, especially if your income has dropped after job loss, marketplace plans are significantly cheaper. A recently unemployed individual might pay $0-$100/month for a Silver plan with strong subsidy support, depending on income and location.

Resilience Health Advisors can run the numbers for both options and show you exactly which saves more. Get a free comparison today.