Why is COBRA health insurance so expensive?

While employed, your company likely paid 70% to 85% of your total health insurance premium. Under COBRA, you are responsible for paying the full 100% premium plus a 2% administrative fee.

How long do I have to elect COBRA coverage?

You have an election period of at least 60 days from the date of the qualifying event or the date the COBRA election notice is provided (whichever is later).

USAUpdated for 2026Health

US COBRA Health Insurance Continuation Premium Calculator 2026

Calculate your monthly COBRA health insurance continuation cost (102% of combined employer + employee premium) following employment termination or reduction in hours, and compare with ACA Marketplace alternatives.

Health Insurance & CHI Tiers Insurance & Coverage Salaries & Monthly Wages

Calculated Result

Total Monthly COBRA Premium (102%)

816$/mo

Calculator Inputs

Your Previous Monthly Payroll Deduction for Health Insurance

$/mo

Quick select:

Employer's Subsidized Monthly Share of Your Premium

$/mo

Quick select:

Number of Months of COBRA Coverage Needed (Max 18 Months)

Quick select:

Total Monthly COBRA Premium (102%)

816$/mo

Total Outlay for Full Continuation Period

$4,896

Monthly Out-of-Pocket Increase

636 $/mo

100% Base Group Plan Monthly Rate

$800

2% Statutory Administrative Surcharge

$16

Under federal COBRA law, beneficiaries pay 100% of the total group health plan premium plus a 2% statutory administrative fee, typically lasting up to 18 or 36 months.

This calculator is a mathematical model for fitness and nutrition estimation for general awareness only. Estimated results do not constitute medical diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult a physician or certified nutritionist before starting any new diet or training regimen.

Official Statute: Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (29 U.S.C. § 1162 - COBRA Continuation Coverage & 102% Premium Rules)Last Verified: 2026-09-04

Calculation Methodology

Total Group Monthly Premium = Employee Share + Employer Subsidized Share. COBRA Monthly Premium = Total Group Premium * 1.02. Total Continuation Cost = COBRA Monthly Premium * Duration Months.

Frequently Asked Questions

COBRA gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time (usually 18 months).

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USA

US COBRA Health Insurance Continuation Premium Calculator 2026

Calculator Inputs

Calculation Methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

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