A standard COBRA premium runs 102% of your plan’s full monthly cost: what you paid as an employee, plus what your employer used to cover, plus a 2% administrative fee.
Enter your numbers below to estimate your own monthly bill before it arrives.
Key takeaways:
- Federal law caps a standard COBRA premium at 102% of the plan’s full cost (your old paycheck deduction plus your employer’s former share), under 26 CFR 54.4980B-8.
- For reference, the 2025 national average premium is $777/month for single coverage and $2,249/month for family coverage (KFF), but your own plan’s premium, not an average, determines your real cost.
- Standard COBRA runs up to 18 months after a layoff. A Social Security disability determination can extend it to 29 months, but months 19-29 are capped at 150% instead of 102%.
- This tool gives an estimate. Your employer’s COBRA election notice has the real number, and it can differ based on your specific plan.
Want more on COBRA costs specifically? See what to do if your election notice arrives late, how to pay this premium tax-free from an HSA, or how COBRA compares to an ACA Marketplace plan.
How the 102% rule actually works
Under 26 CFR 54.4980B-8, a plan can charge up to 102% of its full cost of coverage, which is your old paycheck deduction plus the share your employer used to cover. Example: a $150 deduction plus a $500 employer share makes a $650 full premium, so COBRA runs $663, not $153. That gap is the real reason COBRA feels expensive.
Don’t know your full premium? Check Box 12, Code DD on your last W-2, which the IRS requires employers to report, then divide by 12.
The disability extension changes the math at month 19
If the Social Security Administration determines you were disabled at any point during your first 60 days of COBRA coverage, you can extend coverage from 18 months to 29 months total.
The tradeoff: for those additional 11 months (months 19 through 29), the same 26 CFR 54.4980B-8 allows the plan to charge up to 150% of the applicable premium instead of 102%. On that same $650 plan, months 1-18 would run $663 a month, and months 19-29 could run up to $975 a month.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Why is my COBRA premium so much higher than what I paid as an employee?
Because your employer was paying part of your premium while you worked there, and COBRA removes that subsidy. You now pay the plan’s full cost, plus up to a 2% administrative fee.
Can my former employer charge less than 102%?
Yes. 102% is the legal maximum a plan can charge for standard COBRA coverage, not a required amount. Some employers or plans charge less, though most charge the full 102% allowed.
Does this calculator account for my specific state or employer plan?
No. It applies the federal 102%/150% rule to the exact premium you enter, so you need your plan’s real number to get an accurate result. Your official COBRA election notice will state the same figure.
What if I can’t afford the COBRA premium this calculator shows?
An ACA Marketplace plan is often cheaper than COBRA for the same coverage level, especially if you qualify for a premium tax credit after a job loss. See the COBRA vs. Marketplace comparison linked above before you elect COBRA.
Disclaimer: This tool provides an estimate for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Your actual COBRA premium is set by your former employer’s group health plan. Consult your COBRA election notice or a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.
