COBRA Insurance Calculator
Total COBRA continuation coverage cost after job loss or qualifying event
Calculate total COBRA continuation health insurance cost after employment ends, given the previous employer's full monthly premium.
What this tool does
This calculator models the full financial impact of continuation coverage after employment ends or a qualifying life event. It computes your total out-of-pocket cost by combining the employer premium portion, your employee contribution, and an administrative fee applied monthly across your coverage period. The result breaks down into three components: total cost over all months, average monthly cost, and how much more you'll pay compared to what your employer was contributing. The calculation assumes the monthly premiums and fee percentage remain constant throughout your coverage period. This tool illustrates costs for planning purposes only and does not account for plan changes, subsidy eligibility, or alternative coverage options that may be available to you.
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Formula Used
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Disclaimer
Results are estimates for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
What COBRA Covers and Costs
COBRA continuation allows employees to keep employer health insurance after job loss, reduction in hours, or other qualifying events for 18 months typically (36 in some situations). Dramatic cost increase from what employee paid while employed — former employee pays full premium (employer portion plus employee portion) plus 2% administration fee. Typical COBRA 500-1,500 monthly for individual, 1,500-3,500 for family. Total 18-month COBRA often 10,000-50,000 — significant expense during already-difficult transition period.
Typical COBRA Costs
Employer-paid portion: typically 70-80% of premium. Monthly premium full cost: 500-800 individual, 1,400-2,000 family. Administrative fee: 2% of total premium. Full COBRA cost individual: 510-820 monthly. Family: 1,430-2,040 monthly. 18-month maximum: 9,200-14,800 individual, 25,700-36,700 family. Some qualifying events extend to 29 or 36 months, dramatically increasing total cost. Alternative: marketplace coverage (ACA) often 50-70% less expensive after subsidies for lower-income post-job-loss individuals.
Worked Example for Typical Situation
Employer premium 400 monthly. Employee portion 100 monthly. Admin 2%. Months 18. Total monthly 500. Admin fee 10. Monthly COBRA 510. 18-month total 9,180. Monthly increase from employee's prior 100 to 510 — 510% jump in out-of-pocket cost. Former employee needs 510 monthly for 18 months (9,180 total). Budget this in severance and transition planning. Many choose ACA marketplace instead — subsidy-eligible individuals often pay 100-300 monthly for comparable coverage.
What the Calculator Does Not Model
Specific ACA marketplace alternative cost with income-based subsidies. Qualification for public health coverage for low-income residents (income below threshold). Employer severance packages that sometimes include extended health coverage. Specific state extensions beyond federal COBRA minimum. Pre-existing condition considerations. Specific plan quality variations. The calculator shows COBRA framework; comprehensive post-employment health coverage decision involves multiple options comparison.
COBRA Alternatives
ACA marketplace: usually cheapest option with income-based subsidies. Coverage effective first day of next month. Spouse's employer plan: often cheapest if available (special enrollment period triggered by job loss). public health coverage for low-income residents: income-qualified individuals, very low cost or free. Short-term health insurance: 30-90 day temporary coverage at lower cost but limited benefits. Evaluate all options before electing COBRA — often significant savings from alternatives available during 60-day COBRA election window.
COBRA continuation for 18 months months totals 9,180.00.
Inputs
This example uses typical values for illustration. Adjust the inputs above to match a specific situation and see how the result changes.
Sources & Methodology
Methodology
This calculator computes total COBRA continuation coverage cost by combining the employer and employee premium contributions on a monthly basis. The combined monthly premium then has the administration fee percentage applied to it, reflecting the additional costs associated with managing the continuation coverage. This adjusted monthly amount is then multiplied by the number of months of COBRA coverage elected to arrive at the total cost over the coverage period. The calculation assumes a constant monthly premium and flat administration fee throughout the coverage term, and treats the administration fee as a fixed percentage of the combined premium. The model does not account for potential premium increases, changes in coverage terms, variations in eligibility periods, or adjustments that may occur during the coverage window. Results should be treated as estimates based on the inputs provided.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Is COBRA worth it?
How long does COBRA last?
When does coverage start?
What about state extensions?
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