COBRA Premium Cost Calculator
The COBRA Premium Cost Calculator determines an individual’s monthly premium based on a combination of their insurance deduction, the employer’s contribution and the pay frequency. Some employers might add an administrative fee, often up to 2% of the total premium. By analyzing these components, the calculator provides a breakdown of annual health insurance expenses.
Using this calculator, individuals during periods of employment transition can better understand their upcoming healthcare expenses.
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 COBRA With Last Year’s W-2
Continue reading to find out how you can use last year’s W-2 to approximate your premium cost.
Calculate Your COBRA Premium
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How To Determine Your COBRA Premium
If you need to continue health coverage through an employer, the COBRA premium 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.
Look At 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
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.
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.
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