How much is COBRA monthly?
Asked by: Brandon Runolfsdottir | Last update: December 9, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (22 votes)
How much does COBRA typically cost per month?
COBRA coverage is not cheap.
A COBRA premium can cost on average $400 to $700 a month per person.
Is COBRA coverage worth it?
Cobra plans usually have much lower deductibles and max out of pockets than individual plans... so even if premiums are higher... for an individual that has a high use of healthcare... cobra may actually be a better option.
How does COBRA work if I quit my job?
COBRA health insurance provides for the continuation of group health coverage when you quit, retire or are fired from a job that offered a qualifying plan. It can also be applied if your hours are reduced so that you no longer meet your employer's criteria for plan eligibility. The only exception is dismissal for gross.
Is there a cheaper alternative to COBRA?
Not only are Marketplace health insurance plans typically less expensive than COBRA, most Marketplace applicants (91% in 2022) qualify for at least some government subsidy to help pay their premiums. The amount of the subsidy depends on your income, where you live and the size of your family.
COBRA Insurance | What You Need to Know
What is the largest disadvantage of COBRA?
Limited coverage duration:
One of the significant drawbacks of COBRA is its limited coverage duration. Typically, COBRA allows individuals to retain their employer-provided health insurance for up to 18 months after leaving their job or experiencing a qualifying event.
What if I can't afford COBRA?
Instead of enrolling in COBRA continuation coverage, there may be other more affordable coverage options for you and your family through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or other group health plan coverage (such as a spouse's plan) through what is called a “special enrollment period.” Some of these options ...
What is the 60 day loophole for COBRA?
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 calculate COBRA costs?
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%.
Who is not eligible for COBRA?
Why would an employee not qualify to enroll in Cal-COBRA? The employee is enrolled in or eligible for Medicare. The employee does not enroll within 60 days of receiving the notice of eligibility from the employer. The employee is covered by another health plan.
Is it better to get COBRA or obamacare?
Both COBRA and ACA Marketplace plans have their advantages. COBRA lets you keep your exact employer-based plan but is often more expensive. ACA plans may be more affordable, especially with subsidies, but require choosing a new plan. The best choice depends on your financial situation and healthcare needs.
Does COBRA kick in immediately?
An employee eligible for COBRA insurance must opt for it within 60 days of their employer-sponsored insurance termination date. The coverage starts the day the previous coverage ends.
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.
Can you go on COBRA for a month?
However, if you only need COBRA coverage for a short period of time, such as one or two months, you can pay only for those months from the coverage loss date.
How much does COBRA Financial charge?
Cobra Financial Solutions shall charge a commission rate set at 15% of all monies recovered unless stated differently overleaf.
What is the average COBRA payment?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
Can I get COBRA if I quit?
Whether you quit, get fired or are laid off, you may be able to choose your former employer's health plan under a federal law called COBRA. That stands for Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act. It's available if: You were enrolled in an employer-sponsored medical, dental or vision plan.
Are COBRA costs tax deductible?
Are my COBRA premiums deductible? Yes they are tax deductible as a medical expense. There isn't necessarily a “COBRA Tax Deduction”. You can only deduct the amount of COBRA medical expenses on your federal income tax in excess of 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income and then only if you itemize deductions.
Why is COBRA so expensive?
Loss of Employer Subsidy: When you were employed, your employer likely subsidized a significant portion of your health insurance premium. However, with COBRA, the employer is no longer required to contribute to the premium, leaving you responsible for the full cost of the insurance, plus added administrative fees.
Do you have to pay for COBRA upfront?
When you elect continuation coverage, you cannot be required to send any payment with your election form. You can be required, however, to make an initial premium payment within 45 days after the date of your COBRA election (that is the date you mail in your election form, if you use first-class mail).
How long can I stay on COBRA?
You can collect COBRA benefits for up to 18 months. This may be extended to 36 months under certain circumstances. If your employer has 20 or more employees, it must follow COBRA rules.
Are there cheaper options 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.
What to do when a 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.
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.