Can you drop COBRA and get Obamacare?
Asked by: Mr. Alexzander Jakubowski DVM | Last update: September 21, 2025Score: 5/5 (67 votes)
Can I switch from COBRA to Obamacare?
From January 16-October 31: You can switch from COBRA to a Marketplace plan if: Your COBRA coverage is running out. You have to pay the full cost of COBRA coverage because your former employer stops contributing, or you lose a government subsidy (like COBRA premium assistance).
Can I cancel my employer health insurance and get Obamacare?
Yes, you can opt out of your employer based health insurance and choose to be covered by a Marketplace plan instead. (The clarification between Obamacare referencing the laws and ideas is understood in common society so there's no need to waste any time explaining the glossary of terms.)
Is it better to take COBRA or obamacare?
COBRA will be better insurance but will be more expensive. It's also only available for a limited time frame. Another positive is that it is effective the day your old insurance would have terminated.
What happens if you cancel COBRA?
Keep in mind if you choose to terminate your COBRA continuation coverage early with no special enrollment opportunity at that time, you generally will have to wait to enroll in other coverage until the next open enrollment period for the new group health plan or the Marketplace.
Got COBRA? Here's How Medicare and COBRA Work When You're 65+
What is the COBRA loophole?
If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.
What happens if I decline COBRA?
You must decide to accept or reject COBRA coverage during a certain time period (usually 60 days after your employer notifies you). You must pay your monthly premiums or you can lose your coverage. Once you have used up all your COBRA benefits, you may be able to get an extension of coverage under Cal-COBRA.
What are disadvantages of Cobra insurance?
COBRA coverage is not cheap. Why? Because you're now responsible for paying your portion of your health insurance: The cost your employer contributed to your premium, in addition to the 2% service fee on the cost of your insurance.
Who is not eligible for Obamacare?
Must live in the United States. Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses. Cannot be incarcerated in prison or jail.
Can I get Obamacare instead of employer insurance?
Answer: Legally speaking, you certainly can decide to purchase insurance through the online Healthcare Marketplace or health insurance exchange rather than choosing your employer's plan. Obamacare is available to everyone, whether or not their employers offer insurance.
What do I do if COBRA is too expensive?
If COBRA feels expensive, consider ACA plans or short-term health insurance. Marketplace plans during the open enrollment period or a special enrollment period can offer more budget-friendly options.
Can you be turned down for Obamacare?
No insurance plan can reject you, charge you more, or refuse to pay for essential health benefits for any condition you had before your coverage started. Once you're enrolled, the plan can't deny you coverage or raise your rates based only on your health.
Is canceling COBRA considered a qualifying event?
However, you won't qualify if you decide to end COBRA early and are paying the full benefit cost yourself. You also don't qualify if you lose your COBRA coverage because you didn't pay your premiums. Remember, you don't need a special enrollment period if you voluntarily end COBRA during open enrollment.
Is COBRA cheaper than Obamacare?
COBRA costs an average of $599 per month. An Obamacare plan of similar quality costs $462 per month—but with the government subsidies available, the average cost of an Obamacare plan on HealthSherpa is less than $10 per month. But ultimately, it depends on your situation.
What is a COBRA loophole?
Understanding the 60-Day Loophole
You have a 60-day window following the end of your employer-sponsored plan to select COBRA coverage or choose a new plan in the individual ACA marketplace.
Can you cancel a COBRA at any time?
Yes, you can cancel COBRA coverage at any time. However, be aware that cancellation does not trigger a special enrollment period for new health insurance.
Does Obamacare cover surgery?
All plans offered in the Marketplace cover these 10 essential health benefits: Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital) Emergency services. Hospitalization (like surgery and overnight stays)
What happens if your income decreases with Obamacare?
If income drops during the year
You may qualify for a more subsidy or even qualify for any subsidy if you were right on the income 400% level. It's best to keep this information as current and accurate as possible to protect yourself.
Can you get Obamacare if eligible for COBRA?
During Marketplace Open Enrollment, you can sign up for a Marketplace plan even if you already have COBRA. You will have to drop your COBRA coverage effective on the date your new Marketplace plan coverage begins.
Why is COBRA so expensive?
Why is COBRA more expensive than employer-sponsored insurance? COBRA is more expensive because the individual is responsible for the entire premium amount without the employer's financial contribution that is provided during active employment.
Can I change from COBRA to marketplace?
When employer contributions to COBRA premiums cease, you can also qualify for a special enrollment opportunity to switch to Marketplace coverage.