COBRA vs ACA Marketplace After Job Loss
**COBRA** lets you keep the same employer plan for 18-36 months—you pay full premium plus admin fee. **ACA marketplace** plans may be cheaper with income-based subsidies after job loss special enrollment.
Step by step
1. Compare total premium
COBRA sticker shock is common—quote ACA silver plans.
2. Check doctors
ACA narrow networks may exclude your specialists.
3. Special enrollment
You have 60 days from loss of coverage for ACA SEP.
COBRA vs ACA
Families with subsidies often save on ACA; complex care may favor COBRA network.
- COBRA: Same plan; no new deductibles mid-year; expensive.
- ACA marketplace: Subsidies possible; new plan year deductibles.
Use our calculators
Common mistakes
- Missing COBRA 60-day election
- Under-reporting income for ACA subsidies
FAQ
Does COBRA qualify for HSA?
If the plan is HSA-eligible HDHP, yes—same as employment.