Severed employee here who is nearing the end of my benefits. Considering COBRA for next year, amongst other ACA options, but wondering if anyone has any ideas on 2026 COBRA rates. I called the 'hotline' this week and they still do not have any ideas on rates stating 'call back mid December'. This is getting a bit too '11th hour' for my liking as I'd like to have some time to review options if need be prior to end of year when my WF benefits run out. Wondering if anyone else is in the same predicament and if anyone has any ideas on expected % increase of COBRA benefits compared to 2025 COBRA amounts.
6 replies (most recent on top)
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!
2026 COBRA rate sheet is posted on the Teamworks from home website - a public site so anyone can get to it.
True. The period that the rates cover is nowhere to be found on the pdf. Failure of basic communication.
@a1 You can cancel COBRA, but if you do it mid year, you won't be able to get insurance through an exchange until the next year.
You can only change insurance mid-year if you have a "qualifying event".
Some hotline. I’m looking right at a pdf with “2026 COBRA Rates” in big font right at the top of it. There are rates pdfs of all kinds in the enrollment site.
After so many years of looking at bi-weekly rates I had to realize the COBRA rates are monthly. NOWHERE on the page is that made explicit. Had to call the COBRA administrator to be certain.
@OP I think you would be better off with COBRA BUT it really depends on income. If the premium credits are extended and you make under a 100k you could end up having to pay almost nothing. You can cancel cobra anytime. Weigh all your options