Career Transition

COBRA vs. ACA Marketplace Optimizer

Compare COBRA continuation coverage against a Marketplace plan net of the baseline premium tax credit. Know your 60-day enrollment window and where the income cliff is.

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Coverage Costs

From your COBRA election notice (full premium + 2% admin)
📌 Marketplace benchmark premium: Enter from healthcare.gov for your ZIP code, or use the region bucket below. The PTC is calculated against the benchmark (second-lowest-cost silver) plan.
Second-lowest-cost silver plan in your area, or use bucket →

Income & Household

Include severance, UI, any part-time income
I want an HSA-eligible (HDHP) plan on Marketplace
📌 2026 FPL reference: $15,960 (single) · +$5,620/additional person · AK +25% · HI +15%. Enhanced ACA subsidies expired 12/31/2025 — 400% FPL cliff is in effect for 2026.
Recommended Path
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COBRA monthly cost
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Marketplace net monthly
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Monthly savings (better path)
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Total savings over gap period

Cost Breakdown

PathMonthly PremiumPTC SubsidyNet MonthlyTotal (6 mo)

Enrollment Window

⏱ 60-day SEP window: Job loss is a Qualifying Life Event. You have 60 days from your last day of employer coverage to enroll in a Marketplace plan. Missing this window means waiting until Open Enrollment (Nov 1 – Jan 15) unless you have another qualifying event.

📋 COBRA election deadline: You have 60 days to elect COBRA after losing coverage, but your election is retroactive — you can wait to see if you need claims before electing, then pay back-premiums.

Inbound: Severance Engine (AL-24) · Downstream: Option Exercise Window (AL-142) · Benefits Optimizer (AL-04)