 [ Symptoms ] how do i pay for medicare if i am unemployed  i will be laid off on 12312013   i turn 65 on 2242014   how do i registgerpay for medical coverage while unemployed [ Disease ] cobra coverage can be quite expensive because you are paying the full share of the premium    both the employer and the employee share of the premium plus a 2 administrative cost the affordable care act does not change the structure of cobra but you may be able to find a cheaper policy through your state marketplace depending on your income you may also qualify for a subsidy to help you pay your premium