COBRA costs more than expected

What usually matters first

Continuation coverage keeps your existing plan and providers, which has genuine value. What surprises people is the price, because the employer's share disappears. The useful question isn't whether it's expensive — it's whether an alternative covers the same providers for less.

• Check whether individual plans include the same doctors and facilities.
• Compare the out-of-pocket maximum, not just the monthly premium.
• Consider whether you're mid-treatment, which usually favours continuity.
• Note any deadline attached to your continuation election before deciding.

How we'd approach it with you

We start by writing down what you need to keep — providers, prescriptions, a budget ceiling — then narrow the options against it. You see the same comparison we do, including the trade-offs we'd flag.

Timing details and eligibility rules vary by situation and location, so we confirm those against current plan documents rather than working from general guidance.