To update everyone on the 2026 COBRA costs, I just received the official document outlining costs so wanted to share. Appears costs are up about 15% from 2025 COBRA when averaging Medical/Dental/Vision. Looking about $900 monthly for single, $1637 for primary & domestic partner, and $2296 for family. This is an Anthem BCBS plan so other plans may vary.
OUCH!
I thought this deserved to be on top for more people to see. Thanks, @27c+1k9rdcg3n.
They call it COBRA because the inssssssurance indusssssstry is run by sssssssnakessss.
Hisssssssss!
Cobra prices are excessive, contact an insurance broker to get a better deal.
@fz Not the reality for most who have pre-existing conditions sadly.
@fw you can live without insurance as long as you maintain health, walk daily, eat healthy etc.
For major medical, travel to Mexico/Thailand.
As the OP on the original thread, I find it perilous anyone would even suggest going without health insurance. That approach is such a massive gamble - especially if anyone has ongoing medical issues - one critical illness/trauma can wipe out a person's entire savings within months of the onset of an illness/traima.
For anyone who is young and has nothing to lose (healthy with no substantive assets), then it may be worth the risk - but for those in their late 50s setting up for retirement, it could be a devastating mistake to not maintain full health insurance coverage - despite the high deductible plans out there. A one week hospital stay can easily go over $100k - and that is before the cost of any surgeries or other interventions.
With ACA in flux right now, there does not seem to be any good alternative to opting for COBRA as ACA coverage coverage can skyrocket, or disappear all together on the whims of political leaders. Scary times for sure.
@a1 Not eligible.
In 2025 Insurance declined covering normal maintenance or Dr. ordered items due to third party claims. By the time you pay for The out of pocket and deductible and then you have to fight the claims. Insurance is useless. We are paying for those not paying their bills. Honestly it would be cheaper without insurance. You can negotiate bill if no insurance. F that.
Forget Cobra. Apply for Medicaid. If you have no income, or are unsure, apply or go the Dept. Of health.
@a1 It depends on whether they extend the premium subsides or not
How much is the subsidy if you are eleigible?