Medical Billing

COBRA Cost Calculator

COBRA lets you keep your employer's health insurance after leaving a job — but you pay both your share AND the employer's share, plus a 2% administrative fee. This calculator shows what your true monthly COBRA cost will be.

What you paid per month (employee premium)

The amount deducted from your paycheck for health insurance

Your employer paid per month

Ask HR for your total premium — or use the national average: ~$700 self / $2,000 family

Coverage type

—

per month (COBRA premium)

Your previous premium—

Employer's portion you now pay—

Total base premium—

2% admin fee—

Total COBRA monthly cost—

Annual COBRA cost (18 months)—

Increase vs. previous premium—

Alternatives to Consider

• ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov): Subsidies are available if income is 100–400% of the federal poverty level. Often cheaper than COBRA for many situations.
• Spouse/partner's plan: Job loss is a qualifying event — you have 30–60 days to join.
• Short-term health insurance: Less comprehensive, but much cheaper. Good for a gap of 1–3 months.
• Medicaid: If your income dropped significantly, you may now qualify.
• COBRA election deadline: 60 days from coverage end or notice. Coverage is retroactive if you elect it within the window.