How do COBRA and a marketplace plan compare?
| What to compare | COBRA | Marketplace plan |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Continues the same employer plan, with the same doctors and network. | A new plan. |
| Cost | You generally pay the full premium your employer used to share, plus up to 2% for administration. | May cost less if you qualify for a premium tax credit. |
| Length | Usually up to 18 months, and longer for some events. | Can continue as long as you keep paying and stay eligible. |
| Timing | At least 60 days to elect COBRA. | 60 days to enroll after losing job-based coverage. |
Can I switch from COBRA to the marketplace?
During open enrollment you can switch for any reason. Outside open enrollment, you can switch only in certain cases: your COBRA coverage runs out, your former employer stops contributing to the cost, or you are still within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage.
If you choose to end COBRA early outside those cases, you generally must wait until the next open enrollment for marketplace coverage, unless another life event opens a special enrollment period. Always check your coverage start date before you end COBRA.
What about Medicaid?
If you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program you can enroll at any time. Wait for a final decision on your Medicaid eligibility before ending COBRA.
How do I decide?
Compare the total yearly cost, not only the monthly premium. If you have already met a large part of your deductible this year, or you are in the middle of treatment with doctors who are only in your current network, COBRA can make sense for a few months. If you are healthy and your income is modest, a marketplace plan with a tax credit is often cheaper. A licensed agent can run both options with you at no cost.
See our Individual & Family plans
Major medical coverage for you and your household, with subsidies applied where you qualify.Special enrollment deadline calculator
Enter the date of a life event to see your 60-day window to pick a health plan.
Talk to a licensed agent
We compare plans, explain the tradeoffs and help you enroll. It costs you nothing.