Marketplace Insurance Calculator

Last updated July 2, 2026

When a job loss triggers the end of employer health coverage, most people focus on COBRA — the familiar option, the path of least resistance. But job loss also opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period on the ACA Marketplace, and for most people, especially those whose income will drop significantly, this produces substantially lower premiums. The ACA's premium tax credits are based on projected annual income, and a household that earned $85,000 last year but expects to earn $35,000 this year after a job loss may qualify for credits that reduce a $500 monthly premium to $80 or less. Nearly 94% of people who shop the Marketplace through enrollment platforms qualify for some level of subsidy.

The key number the Marketplace uses is your projected household income for the calendar year as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. In 2026, enhanced subsidy rules mean premiums are capped as a percentage of income for households across a broad income range — not just lower earners. Silver plans come with additional cost-sharing reductions for those below 250% of the FPL that can dramatically reduce deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, not just premiums. The trade-off compared to COBRA is a potential provider network change and a new deductible reset. For routine care and families in generally good health, the Marketplace premium savings typically outweigh these disruptions by a wide margin.

COBRA and Marketplace plan costs can be compared during the 60-day enrollment window, especially when deductible progress or provider continuity matters. Enter your projected income — not last year's — and use that to estimate your subsidy eligibility. For many job-loss situations, the Marketplace option is dramatically cheaper and still covers the essential care you need.