Marketplace Insurance Calculator
Last updated July 2, 2026
Last reviewed July 8, 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 many people, especially those whose income will drop significantly, this can produce 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 monthly premium meaningfully. The exact savings must be checked on HealthCare.gov or the state Marketplace because 2026 subsidy rules changed after the pandemic-era additional savings ended.
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, premium tax credits still depend on income, household size, location, benchmark-plan pricing, and current Marketplace rules, but the extra COVID-era savings no longer apply. Silver plans may also include cost-sharing reductions for eligible households, which can 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, Marketplace premium savings may outweigh these disruptions, but the comparison has to use current plan quotes.
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 may be cheaper and still cover the essential care you need, but the official Marketplace quote is the number to rely on.