How to Calculate COBRA Cost
Many hesitate to sign up for COBRA insurance, hearing about its high cost for continuing coverage.
Understanding COBRA premiums starts with knowing you’re covering the full cost of your employer-sponsored health plan. But rather than make assumptions, you can estimate your COBRA costs on your own, even before receiving your COBRA offer letter.
Two Ways To Determine Your Cost
Determining your COBRA insurance cost can be done in two ways: using our COBRA Premium Cost Calculator or referencing your W-2 form. Both methods give an accurate estimate of your monthly premium, including any potential administrative fees.
COBRA Cost Calculator
Our COBRA Premium Cost Calculator estimates your monthly premium by based on a combination of their insurance deduction, the employer’s contribution and the pay frequency. Some employers might add an administrative fee. It accounts for an optional administrative fee (up to 2%). Use the calculator.
Calculate Your COBRA Premium Using Your W-2
Using the information provided in Box 12 of your most recent W-2 form, labeled Code DD, you will find the total annual cost of your employer-sponsored health coverage. To determine your monthly COBRA premium, divide this annual amount by 12 and include any applicable administrative fees, which may be up to 2%. Complete instructions.
Estimate Only
For an accurate quote on continuing your employer plan, please reach out to the COBRA plan administrator or consult the enrollment paperwork you received.
Calculate Your COBRA Premium
Is COBRA Too Expensive?
The cost of COBRA premiums can be surprisingly high because you’re covering the full cost of your health plan, including what your employer used to pay. Learn more about why COBRA is so expensive and explore your options.
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Find Out How Much Your Monthly COBRA Premium Will Be
If you need to continue health coverage through an employer, the COBRA monthly cost is based on the full amount paid for health insurance under the original employer’s plan. This includes not only what was previously paid by the individual responsible for the insurance but also the employer’s contribution.
Use Last Year’s W-2
Keep in mind that this calculation assumes that the cost structure remains the same after leaving the job and that the cost of your employer-sponsored health insurance didn’t change.
Find Box 12
On the W-2 form of the individual who was paying for the health insurance, Box 12 with Code DD represents the total cost of employer-sponsored health coverage. This amount includes both the part of the cost paid by that individual and the part paid by their employer. It can serve as a valuable starting point to determine the monthly COBRA cost for continuing coverage.
Here’s how you can use that information:
- Locate Box 12, Code DD on Your W-2: Find the amount listed under this code. This is the total annual cost of your health coverage.
- Divide by 12 for the Monthly Cost: Take the annual cost and divide it by 12 to find the monthly cost of your health insurance when you were employed.
- Add the Administrative Fee: COBRA allows for an administrative fee, usually up to 2% of the total premium cost. Calculate this fee and add it to the monthly cost.
Example:
- Box 12, Code DD Amount: $12,000 (annual cost)
- Monthly Cost Without Fee: $12,000 / 12 = $1000
- Administrative Fee: $1000 * 2% = $20
- Total Monthly COBRA Cost: $1000 + $20 = $1020
Getting The Exact Premium Cost of COBRA
To get an exact quote on continuing your employer plan, you should contact the plan administrator or refer to the COBRA enrollment paperwork you received regarding enrollment.
How Employers Calculate Health Insurance Costs for Employees
Employers negotiate group health insurance prices by discussing terms with insurance providers, considering factors such as the number of employees, overall health risks, and desired coverage levels. Once an agreement is reached, employers determine the cost to employees by assessing the company’s budget, the negotiated premium, and any intended subsidies. This cost is then often divided among employees, factoring in their pay grade, role, or tenure, resulting in a specified monthly premium deducted from their salaries.
The objective is to strike a balance between offering competitive benefits and managing the company’s financial health.
As a result of these factors, your COBRA premium will typically be higher than the amount previously deducted from your paycheck. Based on plan and state, COBRA costs range from about $400 to $700 per month and are based on the following:
- Your previous monthly insurance contribution.
- Your recent employer’s monthly insurance contribution. Along with your portion, this amount represents your group health plan’s full monthly premium previously paid to your insurance carrier.
- An administration fee of up to 2%, added for managing your COBRA plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions About COBRA Insurance Costs
Below are some common questions and answers to help you understand how COBRA costs are calculated and what to expect when estimating your premium.
How is the cost of COBRA determined?
COBRA premiums include both the amount you paid for health insurance as an employee and the portion your employer contributed, plus an administrative fee of up to 2%.
Can I use my W-2 to estimate my COBRA premium?
Yes, by using Box 12, Code DD from your W-2, you can determine the total annual cost of your employer-sponsored health coverage and calculate the monthly premium.
How do I add the administrative fee to my COBRA cost?
Multiply your monthly premium by 2%, then add that amount to your monthly cost to account for the administrative fee.
How can I get an exact COBRA premium?
To get an exact premium, contact your plan administrator or refer to your COBRA enrollment paperwork.
