COBRA Health Insurance
benefitsAlso known as: COBRA, COBRA continuation coverage
Updated · Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev
Detailed explanation
Triggering events: termination (other than gross misconduct), reduction in hours, divorce, dependent aging out, death of covered employee, Medicare entitlement of covered employee. Election window: 60 days from later of qualifying-event date or notice. Coverage retroactive to qualifying event if elected. Cost: typically $600-1,200/month single, $1,500-2,500 family — sticker shock for those used to seeing only the employee share. ACA Marketplace usually cheaper for those eligible for PTC subsidies. State "mini-COBRA" laws cover some employers under 20 (CA, NY, MA, MN, etc.). Special enrollment rights into ACA Marketplace open at job loss — you do not have to accept COBRA to keep coverage continuity.
Use these calculators to apply this concept
Related benefits terms
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal tax credit for low-to-moderate-income workers. For 2026, max...
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a federal tax credit of $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 in 2026. Up to $1,700 is ...
Health Savings Account (HSA)
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account for medical expenses, available to people enrolled in...
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a pre-tax employer-sponsored account for medical or dependent-care expenses. 2026 l...
Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Federal Poverty Level (FPL) is HHS's annual income threshold defining poverty. 2026 FPL: $15,650 single / $32,150 family...
← Back to glossary · Suggest an addition: [email protected]