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If it’s just you! I found paying out of pocket is cheaper. However, if you’re working remotely. Ppl are job stacking in Q4 & Q1.
I paid out of pocket for a few years and it did save me a ton because I was lucky and didn’t have any major health issues. But switching to at least a catastrophic plan will give you peace of mind and save a few.
My COBRA was $980/month but ended, so i switched to marketplace which was $1600/month. Marketplace sucks, it’s expensive, has very few options in network and requires referrals from a PCP for every specialist.
Right now I’m freelancing at a WPP agency and they have a basic plan which means i can switch to their cobra when my contract ends. it’s not as good as their full timers insurance but it has everything in network, requires no PCP for referrals and is much cheaper than marketplace.
So when you’re offered a plan at any larger agency where you’re freelancing on a W2, look into it.
Lastly, FreelancersUnion (freelancersunion.org/insurance/health/) has these two options they recommend:
If you’re doing mostly 1099 contract work, look up Opolis.
https://opolis.co/explore/benefits/
If you have no pre-existing conditions then try Solo.
https://hbgsolo.com/
SCD1: Correct. I just joined the WPP corporate plan and cancelled my ACA/marketplace plan. When I leave, I’ll have access to their COBRA. I realize I didn’t make that step clear but my comment was getting long and I was trying to be brief. 😅 It doesn’t change my advice.
This is what the whole government shutdown was about. VOTE people
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/clash-over-healthcare-subsidies-threatens-reshape-2026-midterms-2025-11-14/
🙄
I’m also entertaining lower paying remote roles that are perm. Just to have coverage & the 401k match.
Just accepted a new full time role purely for health insurance. I’ll freelance on the side as-needed to make up the income.
My exact thinking & strategy! Congrats 🎉
I had the same issue. Mine was going to $2850/mo. Needless to say, I’m on week 3 of my new full-time job.
I’m currently on cobra from previous job…$2800 a month for whole family. It’s insane.
Yeah, I agree with keeping COBRA. You can be on it for 18 months after leaving an employer. It’s more reliable right now that ACA 😕
You increase your rate
Mine went up to $1400/month for 2026. Haven’t figured out yet, how I’m going to manage. :(
Is it really worth going back to fulltime for? I guess it depends on your earnings etc
If you’re doubling.
Pro
Move to Canada or move to Europe.
This is the truth 💣 that’s needed
Not a fix for everyone, but some can qualify for Medicaid with a preexisting condition. Even that is shaky though as the conditions for qualification may change. 😬
I’m getting new health insurance for $1800 a month. I get that it’s expensive, but it’s not worth going back to full time for? That’s like 1 day rate.
I was a CD at top shop, and have been lucky enough to win a couple of Grand Prixs at Cannes etc
Yup. My PPO went from $550 a month to $2200. Moving to an HMO. It's grim.
😥
Yep mine went up from like $770 to $880.