GetFastRates.com
COBRA vs. Marketplace Cost Comparison
Got a COBRA quote? Enter it alongside your household income to see how it compares to the ACA Marketplace's published contribution-cap formula -- a real number, not a guess.
COBRA and Marketplace cost questions
Is COBRA always more expensive than a Marketplace plan?
Not always, but COBRA usually costs more because you pay the full premium (including the share your former employer used to cover) plus up to a 2% administrative fee. Marketplace plans can include a premium tax credit depending on your income, which COBRA does not.
Can I switch from COBRA to a Marketplace plan later?
Losing job-based coverage (including COBRA running out) or choosing to end COBRA outside your own enrollment window can affect your Special Enrollment Period eligibility -- voluntarily dropping COBRA early does not on its own open a new enrollment window. Check the SEP Eligibility Checker or call to confirm your specific timing.
Does this tool show me an actual Marketplace plan price?
No. It shows the expected-contribution cap the ACA formula sets for your income -- a real, published number, but not a specific plan's premium. A licensed agent can pull real plan options for your area.