Health Insurance Options in Washington D.C. After Job Loss (2026)
If you recently lost your job or had your hours reduced in Washington D.C., 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 Washington D.C. is approximately $835, while a standard Marketplace plan averages around $625 before subsidies — a difference of roughly $210/month at full price.
Washington D.C. runs its own state-based health insurance marketplace called DC Health Link, rather than using the federal HealthCare.gov website. Washington D.C. has also adopted full Medicaid expansion, so adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for free or low-cost Medicaid instead of a paid plan. The calculator below is pre-loaded with Washington D.C.'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+27% vs US avg
🌐 Avg. Monthly ACA Marketplace Premium+28% vs US avg
DC Health LinkState-based Marketplace
ExpandedMedicaid Expansion Status
$9,0002026 ACA Out-of-Pocket Max
💡 Washington D.C. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACA health insurance marketplace called in Washington D.C.?+
Washington D.C. runs its own state-based health insurance marketplace called DC Health Link, rather than using the federal HealthCare.gov website.
Has Washington D.C. expanded Medicaid under the ACA?+
Washington D.C. has also adopted full Medicaid expansion, so adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for free or low-cost Medicaid instead of a paid plan.
Is COBRA or the ACA Marketplace cheaper in Washington D.C.?+
On average, an ACA Marketplace plan in Washington D.C. (about $625/month before subsidies) runs roughly 25% lower than the average COBRA premium (about $835/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 Washington D.C.?+
The estimated 2026 out-of-pocket maximum for an ACA Marketplace plan in Washington D.C. used in this calculator is $9,000. 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.