COBRA vs. ACA Marketplace Calculator
Compare your employer COBRA continuation premium against Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Marketplace plans. Calculates federal income-based subsidies, already-paid deductibles, and doctor network trade-offs.
Household & Income
Anticipated gross household income for the calendar year during career transition.
COBRA Plan Specifics
Full 102% premium listed on your official COBRA election notification letter.
SWITCH TO ACA MARKETPLACE: Substantial monthly savings driven by federal Premium Tax Credits.
Cost & Benefit Comparison: COBRA vs. ACA
| Key Comparison Factor | Employer COBRA | ACA Marketplace (Silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Out-of-Pocket Premium | $750/mês | $225/mês |
| Federal Monthly Subsidy Offset | $0 (Sem subsídio) | +$373/mês |
| Total Premiums Over Transition Period | $4,500 | $1,350 |
| Calendar Year Deductible Status | Mantém $1,200 pago | Zera e reinicia em $0 |
| Doctor & Hospital Network | 100% Unchanged From Job | New Marketplace Network |
How it works
1
Select individual or family coverage, enter your age, estimated transition annual income, and state.
2
Input your official monthly COBRA premium quote and any in-network deductible already paid this year.
3
Evaluate your federal subsidy qualification, multi-month net savings, and personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
What is COBRA and why is it so expensive?
COBRA allows departing employees to temporarily maintain their exact group health plan for up to 18 months. It is expensive because the employer completely terminates its premium contribution (which historically covered 70% to 85% of the cost), requiring the individual to pay the entire premium plus a 2% administrative fee.
Can I switch from COBRA to the ACA Marketplace?
You can switch during your initial 60-day Special Enrollment Period after losing your job-based health insurance, during the annual Open Enrollment Period (Nov 1 to Jan 15), or if your 18 months of COBRA coverage completely exhausts.
Does my health plan deductible reset if I switch to an ACA plan?
Yes. Changing insurance carriers resets your cumulative annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum back to $0. If you have already met a large portion of your deductible or have scheduled major medical procedures, remaining on COBRA may be the more economical overall option.
Is this tool free?
Yes. The site is supported by ads, so you never pay or need to create an account.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The page adapts to your screen and does not require installing any app.