The Benefit Translator
Three real paths to staying covered — translated from legalese into the numbers that actually matter to your wallet.
COBRA Continuation
Keep your exact employer plan
Monthly Premium
$650
Full group rate + 2% admin
Out-of-Pocket Max
Individual, in-network
$4,500
Provider Network
Your current doctors stay
Unchanged
Coverage Gap
Retroactive to loss date
Immediate
Duration
36 mo. for qualifying events
Up to 18 mo.
Marketplace Plan
Subsidized private coverage
Monthly Premium
$320
After average subsidy
Out-of-Pocket Max
Individual, 2026 limit
$8,700
Provider Network
Check your doctors
Varies
Coverage Gap
Next enrollment window
2–6 weeks
Duration
Renewable annually
Full year
Short-Term Private
Bridge coverage between jobs
Monthly Premium
$180
Healthy applicant rate
Out-of-Pocket Max
Plan-dependent
$10,000
Provider Network
Broad PPO access
Flexible
Coverage Gap
Coverage starts in 24h
Next day
Duration
Non-renewable bridge
Up to 12 mo.
Estimate My Premium
Updates live as you adjust
COBRA
$488
Marketplace
$420
Short-Term
$135