Guide to COBRA Health Insurance
Under federal COBRA laws, employees and families can keep their work health insurance if they lose coverage due to job loss or family changes.
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Getting Started with COBRA
- COBRA Eligibility – Find out if you qualify for COBRA coverage.
- Apply For COBRA – Learn the steps to apply for COBRA coverage.
- Cost Of COBRA Insurance – Understand the costs associated with COBRA insurance.
- Customer Service – Get assistance with your medical insurance options.
More FAQs on Beginning COBRA Continuation
Manage Your COBRA Plan
- Account Login – Access your COBRA insurance account online.
- Make a Premium Payment – Depending on the plan, online or by mail.
- Canceling Coverage – Steps to cancel your COBRA insurance coverage.
- Verify Coverage – How to verify coverage if denied by provider or pharmacy.
What Is COBRA Insurance?
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to temporarily continue your employer-sponsored health insurance after leaving a job or during other qualifying life events. This ensures no gaps in healthcare access and lets you retain medical, dental, and vision benefits if they were included in your original plan.
The History of COBRA
Signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on April 7, 1986, COBRA was created to help employees and their families maintain health coverage during transitions. It provides a temporary safety net, enabling individuals to keep their work health insurance after job loss or other changes.
Who We Are
COBRAinsurance.com offers clear, straightforward information about COBRA and continuation coverage. Whether you’re facing a job change or another life event, we’re here to help you understand what COBRA insurance is and explore all your health coverage options between employer plans, so you can make the best decision for your needs.
Why Is COBRA Considered Expensive?
The most common feedback about COBRA insurance is that it is expensive. This is because individuals must pay the full cost of their health insurance premium, which was previously subsidized by their employer, plus an administrative fee of up to 2%. As a result, monthly premiums typically range from $400 to $700 per individual, depending on the plan and coverage.
For those seeking more affordable alternatives, options such as short-term health insurance plans, Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, or Medicaid may be considered, depending on individual circumstances. You’ll want to compare alternative options to find cost-effective health coverage during gaps between employer-sponsored plans.
COBRA Plans & Medical Coverage
A COBRA continuation plan allows you to keep the exact same employer-sponsored health insurance plan you had before leaving your job. You will keep all the benefits you had, including prescription drug coverage, and your deductible progress remains intact.
The coverage is retroactive, meaning if you elect COBRA within the required timeframe, it will cover any eligible medical expenses that occurred after your job ended, ensuring no gaps in your health insurance coverage. This continuity is crucial during periods of transition, providing peace of mind and uninterrupted care.
How Do You Get COBRA Health Insurance?
If you lose your job or your work insurance ends, your employer must offer you COBRA. You will be sent a notification within 45 days to continue your employer coverage.
You have 60 days to respond to the election notice and apply for COBRA. This special enrollment allows you to continue the same medical policy you had while you were employed. Learn how to enroll in COBRA coverage.
COBRA Qualifying Events & Eligibility
Qualifying events trigger your eligibility for COBRA insurance and can range from voluntary or involuntary job loss to transitions between jobs. Other events such as a reduction in work hours, death, and divorce also qualify. Â
Eligibility Topics
Getting COBRA insurance starts with a qualifying event that would terminate a person’s employer-based health insurance.
Check your eligibility for COBRA
Completing the survey will determine if you are eligible to continue your most recent employer group health plan.
How To Get Health Insurance Between Jobs
Finding yourself between jobs requires obtaining health insurance to protect against high medical costs. Carefully consider your choices to make an informed decision during this transitional period.
- Continuing Current Coverage: Choosing COBRA allows you to maintain your current health plan without exclusions or pre-existing condition limitations. Feel confident visiting the doctor or obtaining prescriptions, knowing you’re covered.
- Affordable Marketplace Plans: Many individuals qualify for a federal subsidy to purchase an Affordable Care Act marketplace plan. These plans are comprehensive and offer benefits similar to employer health insurance, making them a convenient and cost-effective alternative. Like COBRA, marketplace plans have a limited enrollment period after a qualifying event.
- Temporary Coverage: If you’re in good health or need short-term coverage, explore temporary health plans. These plans provide month-to-month coverage until your new employer-sponsored insurance begins.
Short-term health insurance, ACA marketplace plans, and COBRA are all options for maintaining coverage between jobs. Compare your choices carefully to find the best solution for your needs. You may also connect with a COBRA Advisor to discuss your situation and get help selecting the most appropriate temporary health insurance option while between medical plans.
Availability of Mini-COBRA in Select States
In many states, businesses with a workforce of 19 or fewer employees are obligated to offer continued health insurance coverage to former employees, similar to the federal COBRA regulations. Please be aware that the deadlines and time frames for making a decision about coverage may differ based on state laws.
Find your state in the COBRA State-by-State Guide.
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Temporary health insurance is a popular, affordable solution to cover gaps in coverage while you are between Major Medical plans.
*Eligibility for short term medical insurance is based on age and state availability.
