How do I find out how much a COBRA will cost me?
Asked by: Dr. Jerrell Pagac | Last update: November 21, 2025Score: 5/5 (28 votes)
How do I calculate my COBRA payment?
Using the information provided in Box 12 of your most recent W-2 form, labeled Code DD, you will find the total annual cost of your employer-sponsored health coverage. To determine your monthly COBRA premium, divide this annual amount by 12 and include any applicable administrative fees, which may be up to 2%.
How much does it cost to pay for COBRA?
You should expect COBRA insurance costs to be substantially higher than what you paid as an employee because your employer is no longer required to pay a share. In 2023, employees paid an average of $145 per month for an individual plan and $548 per month for a family plan, according to KFF.
What is the 60 days COBRA loophole?
You have 60 days to enroll in COBRA once your employer-sponsored benefits end. Even if your enrollment is delayed, you will be covered by COBRA starting the day your prior coverage ended.
How do I find my COBRA information?
You should get a notice in the mail about your COBRA and Cal-COBRA rights. You have 60 days after being notified to sign up. If you are eligible for Federal COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your employer. If you are eligible for Cal-COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your health plan.
COBRA Insurance | What You Need to Know
How does Cobra insurance work if I quit my job?
COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You usually pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee. Contact your employer to learn about your COBRA options.
Is it better to use COBRA or obamacare?
ACA plans may offer significant cost savings through subsidies that aren't available under COBRA. By transitioning to an ACA plan, you can often find more affordable coverage without waiting until COBRA expires, giving you flexibility in managing your healthcare costs.
Is COBRA coverage worth it?
“If you're close to meeting your deductible on your current insurance plan and you have high health care costs, it may be worth it to temporarily stay on your COBRA plan,” explains Donovan. The same holds true if you're far into your employer plan's year and have already met your deductible.
Does insurance end the day you quit?
When you leave or are let go from a job, your health insurance either expires on your last day of work or at the end of the month of your exit, says Andy Gillin, attorney and managing partner at GJEL Accident Attorneys. For example, if you quit on July 15th, your coverage usually continues until July 31st.
What is the 105 day COBRA loophole?
So, if you maxed out the 60 day election period plus the 45 day payment period, you could actually go 105 days without paying for the coverage.
What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?
- COBRA can be expensive, especially compared to the premiums you were paying before your qualifying event. ...
- COBRA does not apply to all employer-sponsored health plans—in particular, those organizations with fewer than 20 employees may have no requirements. ...
- Even if you get an extension, COBRA is only temporary.
How do I find out how much my employer pays for my health insurance?
Employers that are subject to this requirement should report the value of the health care coverage in Box 12 of the Form W-2 PDF, with Code DD to identify the amount. There is no reporting on the Form W-3 of the total of these amounts for all the employer's employees.
Who is not eligible for COBRA?
Indemnity policies, PPOs, HMOs, and self-insured plans are all eligible for COBRA extension; however, federal government employee plans and church plans are exempt from COBRA. Individual health insurance is also exempt from COBRA extension.
How much should I expect to pay for COBRA?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
What is the formula for COBRA?
COBRA premium calculations use the formula: COBRA amount × pay frequency ÷ 12 + administrative fee. The premium amount that appears on the COBRA Coverage Revisions form and the elected total amount that appears on the COBRA Coverage Selection form are both monthly premium amounts.
Does COBRA coverage begin immediately?
Assuming one pays all required premiums, COBRA coverage starts on the date of the qualifying event, and the length of the period of COBRA coverage will depend on the type of qualifying event which caused the qualified beneficiary to lose group health plan coverage.
Is quitting a job considered a life-changing event?
Is losing or getting a new job a qualifying life event? Yes, if you lose your employer-sponsored health care, you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. There's no distinction between leaving your place of employment willingly, like in the case of resignation, or unwillingly, like with a layoff or firing.
How long can you use COBRA after leaving a job?
COBRA allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months if your coverage ends due to job loss, quitting or termination. Known as the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, this legislation applies to employers with 20 or more employees.
Is there a better option than COBRA?
Alternatives to COBRA may offer more affordable or appropriate coverage. These include the health insurance marketplace, short-term insurance, Medicaid, or a new employer's plan. Review your options and assess your needs before making a decision.
Is COBRA cheaper than marketplace?
Not only are Marketplace plans less expensive than COBRA, 80% of people will usually qualify for financial help from the government (called a subsidy) to help pay their premium.
Do you have to pay COBRA every month?
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.
Can I keep my insurance if I quit my job?
One of the first health insurance programs to take a look at when thinking about quitting your job is the Consolidated Budget Omnibus Reconciliation Act, or COBRA. COBRA allows you or your family to remain on the same plan that was provided to you by your employer, even after leaving your job.
Does your deductible start over with COBRA?
If you choose a new plan through the Marketplace, your payments toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximums will reset and go back to zero. However, if you choose COBRA, whatever you have contributed for the plan year will carry over.