COBRA vs ACA in South Carolina: which costs less?
In South Carolina the average benchmark Marketplace plan for a 40-year-old costs $564 a month in 2026 before any credit, $61 below the $625 national average. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Whether COBRA or the Marketplace costs you less depends on your income for the year.
By Justin KullaLast updated
$564
Average benchmark plan, a month, 2026
Up 20% from $471 in 2025
#34 of 51
By 2026 benchmark premium, highest first
17 states and DC cost less
$62,600
Credit ends above, one person, 2026
$128,600 for a family of four
$44 a month
Credit lost by crossing that line
on the $564 plan
What a single adult would pay in South Carolina
Coverage in 2026, the $564 benchmark plan and the IRS table. Estimates; the calculator takes your own numbers.
| Yearly income | Poverty line | Expected share | Credit a month | You pay a month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,475 | 150% | 4.2% | $482 | $82 |
| $39,125 | 250% | 8.4% | $289 | $275 |
| $54,775 | 350% | 10.0% | $109 | $455 |
| Over $62,600 | Over 400% | none | $0 | $564 |
The benchmark plan rose $93 a month ($1,116 a year) from 2025 to 2026. People under the 400% line were not charged for that: their credit grew to cover it. People above it paid it all. For 2027 coverage the line moves to $63,840 for one person, where a credit of about $20 a month would still be lost if the 2026 benchmark price held.
South Carolina compared
South Carolina ranks 34 of 51 on 2026 benchmark premium; 17 cost less. South Carolina uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Medicaid is not expanded: adults below 100% of the poverty line generally get neither Medicaid nor credits, and for 2026 coverage credits start at $15,650 of income for one person. 10 states are in this position.
- California $570 a month, Medicaid expanded
- North Dakota $570 a month, Medicaid expanded
- Colorado $557 a month, Medicaid expanded
- Pennsylvania $572 a month, Medicaid expanded
Your 60 days
In South Carolina, as everywhere, federal COBRA covers employers with 20 or more employees; a state law may cover smaller ones (ask the South Carolina insurance department). You have 60 days to elect COBRA and 60 days after coverage ends to join a Marketplace plan. Details and sources are on the COBRA vs ACA explainer.
Questions about COBRA vs ACA in South Carolina
- Is the ACA Marketplace cheaper than COBRA in South Carolina?
- It is if your income is low enough for a premium tax credit. In South Carolina the average benchmark plan for a 40-year-old costs $564 a month in 2026 before any credit. A single adult at 150% of the poverty line ($23,475 a year) would pay about $82 a month for it after the credit; at 350% ($54,775) about $455. Above $62,600 there is no credit and the plan costs its full price. Compare with the COBRA premium on your own notice.
- What does crossing the 400% line cost in South Carolina?
- For a single adult with 2026 coverage, earning one dollar over $62,600 removes a credit of about $44 a month ($533 a year) on the $564 benchmark plan. For 2027 coverage the line moves to $63,840.
- What if my income is very low in South Carolina?
- South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Adults below 100% of the poverty line generally get neither Medicaid nor Marketplace credits. Parents and people with disabilities have other routes; ask the state Medicaid office.
Compare with your own numbers
Enter your COBRA quote and your household income. Also: unemployment benefits in South Carolina.
Premiums: KFF, marketplace average monthly benchmark premiums, read 2026-10-26. Credit rules: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-25 and 2026-26. Full list of sources on the explainer. An estimate, not advice.