The Math
COBRA lets you keep your employer plan for up to 18 months - at the full cost (employer + employee + 2% admin). Marketplace plans on Covered California are usually substantially cheaper after subsidies.
When COBRA Wins
- You're mid-treatment with a specific specialist not in any marketplace network
- You've already met your annual deductible
- You're 64.5 and only need a 6-month bridge to Medicare
When the Marketplace Wins (Most Cases)
- You don't need to keep specific providers
- Your household income qualifies for subsidies
- You expect to need coverage longer than 6 months
The 60-Day Deadline
You have 60 days from your last day of employer coverage to make either choice. Both have election forms. We help clients run the math during the no-cost consultation.