Health Insurance Options in South Carolina After Job Loss (2026)
If you recently lost your job or had your hours reduced in South Carolina, you have two main paths to keep coverage: continue your employer's plan through COBRA, or switch to a private plan on the ACA Marketplace. The average monthly COBRA premium in South Carolina is approximately $665, while a standard Marketplace plan averages around $525 before subsidies — a difference of roughly $140/month at full price.
South Carolina uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace for ACA plan shopping and enrollment. South Carolina is one of the 10 states that has not adopted full Medicaid expansion, so some very low-income adults can fall into a coverage gap — check your subsidy eligibility carefully. The calculator below is pre-loaded with South Carolina's 2026 average premiums and out-of-pocket limits — adjust your income, family size, and remaining months to estimate your own total cost for the rest of the year.
🛡️ Avg. Monthly COBRA Premium+1% vs US avg
🌐 Avg. Monthly ACA Marketplace Premium+7% vs US avg
HealthCare.govFederal Marketplace
Not ExpandedMedicaid Expansion Status
$9,1002026 ACA Out-of-Pocket Max
💡 South Carolina Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACA health insurance marketplace called in South Carolina?+
South Carolina uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace for ACA plan shopping and enrollment.
Has South Carolina expanded Medicaid under the ACA?+
South Carolina is one of the 10 states that has not adopted full Medicaid expansion, so some very low-income adults can fall into a coverage gap - check your subsidy eligibility carefully.
Is COBRA or the ACA Marketplace cheaper in South Carolina?+
On average, an ACA Marketplace plan in South Carolina (about $525/month before subsidies) runs roughly 21% lower than the average COBRA premium (about $665/month). Premium Tax Credits can lower the Marketplace cost even further depending on your household income, while COBRA lets you keep your existing plan and any out-of-pocket progress for the year.
What is the 2026 ACA out-of-pocket maximum in South Carolina?+
The estimated 2026 out-of-pocket maximum for an ACA Marketplace plan in South Carolina used in this calculator is $9,100. Remember that switching from an employer plan to a Marketplace plan resets your out-of-pocket progress to $0, while COBRA keeps your existing employer-plan progress.
For the complete 2026 COBRA vs Marketplace guide, side-by-side comparison table, and full FAQ, see the main calculator & complete guide.