Job Loss · Financial guide

COBRA vs marketplace insurance after job loss?

Quick answer

COBRA preserves your employer coverage but costs $717/month average for individuals (you pay the full employer + employee share plus 2%).

$717/moCOBRA average (BLS)
$150-$300Marketplace with subsidies
$437/moMonthly savings switching
$2,6226-month savings

The full picture

COBRA preserves your employer coverage but costs $717/month average for individuals (you pay the full employer + employee share plus 2%). Marketplace plans with income-based subsidies during unemployment can bring premiums to $150-$300/month for comparable coverage. The strategic insight: COBRA is retroactive for 60 days.

Apply for marketplace first. If you need medical care during the gap, elect COBRA retroactively. If you don’t, save $437/month.

Over a 6-month unemployment, this strategy saves $2,622.

Model this decision with your actual numbers

The PivotReset Decision Support Engine shows you the 12-month financial projection for each path.

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