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After a Job Loss

ACA Marketplace vs. COBRA in 2026

When you lose employer coverage, you usually have two paths — and for most people one is far cheaper. Here’s the honest comparison, plus a 60-second tool that points to your likely better option.

The short version: COBRA lets you keep your exact plan and doctors — but you pay the full premium, often $600–$700+/month. An ACA Marketplace plan is usually much cheaper if you qualify for a subsidy, though your plan and network may change.

The two paths, side by side

Option A

ACA Marketplace

A new plan bought on your state exchange
  • Often far cheaper if your income qualifies for a premium subsidy.
  • Job loss is a Special Enrollment trigger — you get 60 days to enroll.
  • Your plan and network may change from what you had.
  • Deductible resets if you switch mid-year.
Option B

COBRA

Continue your employer plan temporarily
  • Keep your exact plan, doctors, and deductible progress.
  • You pay the full premium — typically $600–$700+/month, no employer share.
  • Lasts up to 18 months in most cases.
  • No subsidies — the sticker price is what you pay.

Which fits you? Take 60 seconds

Answer five quick questions. This is educational, not advice — but it’s the same math an agent runs with you.

1. Is your household income likely under ~$60,000 (single) this year?

2. Are you early in your plan year (deductible not yet met)?

3. How important is keeping your exact doctors and plan?

4. Do you need coverage for more than a few months?

5. What matters more right now?

Cost and coverage, head to head

FactorACA MarketplaceCOBRA
Typical monthly costOften $0–$300 with a subsidyFull premium, ~$600–$700+
Subsidies available?Yes, if income qualifiesNo
Keep your exact plan & doctorsNot guaranteedYes
Deductible progressResets on a new planCarries over
How long it lastsAs long as you’re eligibleUp to ~18 months
Enrollment window60-day Special Enrollment60 days to elect

Sources: HealthCare.gov (Special Enrollment, COBRA); KFF 2026 Marketplace analysis; U.S. DOL COBRA guidance. Costs vary by state, income, and plan.

Don’t miss your 60 daysLosing job-based coverage opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period for a Marketplace plan. Miss it and you may be locked out until the next open enrollment. You can compare both options before your COBRA election deadline — you don’t have to decide blind.

See your real numbers

A licensed agent can check your subsidy, compare it against your actual COBRA quote, and confirm which is cheaper — free, no obligation.

Compare My Options Free →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ACA always cheaper than COBRA?

Usually, if you qualify for a subsidy — but not always. If your income is high enough to miss subsidies and you’ve already met your deductible, COBRA can win. Run both numbers.

Can I drop COBRA and switch to an ACA plan later?

Voluntarily dropping COBRA mid-year is not usually a Special Enrollment trigger — you may have to wait for open enrollment. Choosing carefully up front matters.

Does losing my job let me enroll in an ACA plan any time?

Yes. Loss of job-based coverage triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period on the Marketplace.

Did ACA subsidies change for 2026?

Yes — enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025, so more people face the income cliff. That’s exactly why comparing your real numbers now matters.