Is COBRA more expensive than Obamacare?

Asked by: Kiley Smitham  |  Last update: July 20, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (40 votes)

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.

Is COBRA cheaper than marketplace insurance?

However, it is crucial to understand the costs involved. On average, COBRA costs $599 per month, which is significantly higher than the average cost of a Marketplace plan of similar quality, which costs around $462 per month.

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.

Can I have COBRA and Obamacare at the same time?

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.

What is the average cost of Obamacare per month?

Obamacare insurance, also called Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance or marketplace insurance, costs an average of $621 per month. The average cost of health insurance is based on a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. Most people don't pay full price for Obamacare.

Should I Do COBRA or ACA?

15 related questions found

Who actually pays for Obamacare?

The federal government covers 90% of the cost of Medicaid expansion. Individual Mandate: The ACA also originally included an “individual mandate” or requirement for most people to maintain health insurance.

What is the average deductible for Obamacare?

KFF also reported the average 2024 deductible for marketplace plans sold via HealthCare.gov, (combined for medical and prescription drugs) by metal rating: $7,258 for Bronze plans, $5,241 for Silver plans, $1,430 for Gold plans, and $97 for Platinum plans.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

Can I refuse health insurance from my employer and get Obamacare?

Obamacare is available to everyone, whether or not their employers offer insurance. From a practical standpoint, though, there are financial consequences to doing this. Often, an employer subsidizes part or all of their employees' coverage.

How can I reduce my COBRA cost?

To reduce your COBRA insurance cost per month, one option is to see whether your employer offers other lower-cost plan options with a lower coverage level. This tradeoff could make sense if you're healthy. You can't switch plans immediately after losing your job.

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.

What is the 60 day loophole for cobras?

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.

Can you drop COBRA and get Obamacare?

You can only drop COBRA and sign up for a Marketplace plan and premium tax credits during Open Enrollment. You will have to drop your COBRA coverage effective on the date your new Marketplace plan coverage begins.

How much is cobra insurance for a single person?

With COBRA insurance, you're on the hook for the whole thing. That means you could be paying average monthly premiums of $703 to continue your individual coverage or $1,997 for family coverage—maybe more!

Can you have Medicaid and COBRA at the same time?

For many people, COBRA, the insurance you can buy into when you lose your job, is too expensive. And even if you decide to enroll in COBRA, it doesn't mean you can't apply for Medicaid. You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid any time.

Is COBRA or Obamacare better?

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.

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.

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.

What is the 9.5 rule in Obamacare?

The 9.5% threshold for health insurance costs

The Health Reform bill established 9.5% as the amount of income used for health insurance beyond which, it would not be an affordable. This means that if you make $40K annually, the bill subsidizes health insurance premiums beyond just short of $4K.

What is the best health insurance company to go with?

Best Health Insurance Companies for 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Self-Employed: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best Widely Available Plans: UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Low Complaints and Best for Chronic Conditions: Aetna.
  • Most Affordable: Molina Healthcare.

What is the 80 20 rule Obamacare?

The 80/20 Rule generally requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% of the money they take in from premiums on health care costs and quality improvement activities. The other 20% can go to administrative, overhead, and marketing costs.