Is Cobra more expensive than employer insurance?

Asked by: Arch Schuppe  |  Last update: May 18, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (26 votes)

COBRA continuation coverage is often more expensive than the amount that active employees are required to pay for group health coverage, since the employer usually pays part of the cost of employees' coverage and all of that cost can be charged to individuals receiving continuation coverage.

Does COBRA cost more than regular insurance?

COBRA insurance is often more expensive than marketplace insurance, partly because there isn't any financial assistance from the government available to help you pay those COBRA premiums.

Is COBRA overpriced?

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.

How much should I expect to pay for a COBRA?

Based on plan and state, COBRA costs range from about $400 to $700 per month and are based on the following: Your previous monthly insurance contribution. Your recent employer's monthly insurance contribution.

Is there a cheaper option than COBRA?

Marketplace insurance, available through the Affordable Care Act, often offers more affordable premiums than COBRA.

Why is COBRA So Expensive?

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What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?

COBRA cons
  • 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.

What can I do instead of COBRA?

What if I don't enroll in COBRA?
  • You can enroll in a Marketplace plan within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage.
  • Find Marketplace plans and prices to compare them to your COBRA coverage or offer.
  • If eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you can enroll in those programs any time and coverage can start immediately.

Can I negotiate COBRA premiums?

Your employer may subsidize COBRA, either pursuant to a company-wide plan or an individual severance agreement that you negotiate.

How much does my employer pay for my health insurance?

In 2022, the average share employers contributed toward group health insurance premium costs was 73% for family coverage and 83% for single coverage. This equated to $16,357 annually for family coverage and $6,584 annually for single coverage per employee.

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 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.

Is COBRA ever 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.

How do I find out how much my COBRA will cost?

Use Last Year's W-2 to Determine COBRA Costs

In the W-2 form of the person who paid for the health insurance, Box 12, Code DD shows the total annual cost of employer-sponsored coverage. Divide this by 12 to gauge the monthly COBRA premium.

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.

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.

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 $200 a month expensive for health insurance?

Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in California? Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old.

Why is employer health insurance so expensive?

Ultimately, health care cost growth drives premium costs. Compared to other high-income countries, the United States consistently has the highest health care costs. One of the drivers of these costs are the prices providers charge for their services.

Can I decline my employer health insurance and get Obamacare?

If you decline individual health insurance through your employer, you can enroll in an Obamacare plan through the Marketplace. Although you most likely will not qualify for any subsidies or other financial assistance.

What is the average cost of cobra insurance per month?

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.

Who pays for COBRA after termination?

COBRA and Cal-COBRA

COBRA allows former employees, retirees, and their dependents to temporarily keep their health coverage. If you get COBRA, you must pay for the entire premium, including any portion that your employer may have paid in the past.

Are COBRA payments 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.

Is there a better option than COBRA?

Typically ACA insurance is more affordable than COBRA insurance because you can be eligible for federal ACA subsidies, depending on your income.

Is COBRA even worth it?

While it may seem like a lot of money, COBRA may actually cost you less than what you'll pay on the open market. That's because you may still get your former company's group discount. You can also use a health savings account (HSA) to pay for your COBRA premiums. They're considered a qualified medical expense.