COBRA vs ACA in Wisconsin: which costs less?
In Wisconsin the average benchmark Marketplace plan for a 40-year-old costs $611 a month in 2026 before any credit, $14 below the $625 national average. Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid. Whether COBRA or the Marketplace costs you less depends on your income for the year.
By Justin KullaLast updated
$611
Average benchmark plan, a month, 2026
Up 23% from $495 in 2025
#26 of 51
By 2026 benchmark premium, highest first
25 states and DC cost less
$62,600
Credit ends above, one person, 2026
$128,600 for a family of four
$91 a month
Credit lost by crossing that line
on the $611 plan
What a single adult would pay in Wisconsin
Coverage in 2026, the $611 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% | $529 | $82 |
| $39,125 | 250% | 8.4% | $336 | $275 |
| $54,775 | 350% | 10.0% | $156 | $455 |
| Over $62,600 | Over 400% | none | $0 | $611 |
The benchmark plan rose $116 a month ($1,392 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 $67 a month would still be lost if the 2026 benchmark price held.
Wisconsin compared
Wisconsin ranks 26 of 51 on 2026 benchmark premium; 25 cost less. Wisconsin uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Medicaid is not expanded, but adults up to 100% of the poverty line are covered through a waiver, so most adults do not fall into a coverage gap.
- District of Columbia $610 a month, Medicaid expanded
- Washington $612 a month, Medicaid expanded
- Georgia $615 a month, Medicaid not expanded
- Missouri $605 a month, Medicaid expanded
Your 60 days
In Wisconsin, as everywhere, federal COBRA covers employers with 20 or more employees; a state law may cover smaller ones (ask the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
- Is the ACA Marketplace cheaper than COBRA in Wisconsin?
- It is if your income is low enough for a premium tax credit. In Wisconsin the average benchmark plan for a 40-year-old costs $611 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 Wisconsin?
- For a single adult with 2026 coverage, earning one dollar over $62,600 removes a credit of about $91 a month ($1,097 a year) on the $611 benchmark plan. For 2027 coverage the line moves to $63,840.
- What if my income is very low in Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid. Adults up to 100% of the poverty line are covered through a waiver, and credits start at 100%, so there is no gap for most adults. Check the waiver’s rules with the state.
Compare with your own numbers
Enter your COBRA quote and your household income. Also: unemployment benefits in Wisconsin.
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.