How Do You Cancel COBRA Insurance Coverage?
To cancel your COBRA plan you will need to notify your previous employer or the plan administrator in writing, requesting to terminate the insurance. The plan administrator is also who you've made your premium payments to. You should then receive a certificate of credible coverage for the length of time, you were on the plan.
Who to Contact
Your COBRA plan is administrated by the employer providing the health insurance or their designated third-party administrator. This is who you cancel with. Here's a list of common COBRA administrators.
What You Need to Know
- You must notify your COBRA plan administrator in writing if you wish to cancel.
- If you stop paying, your coverage will be terminated, but will be responsible for unpaid premiums.
- You may cancel at anytime. However, this does not trigger a special enrollment period.
- If you are cancelling you because of cost, there are other options available.
Can You Terminate COBRA Coverage At Any Time?
Yes, you can stop COBRA coverage at any time. However, early termination is not a qualifying event for a a special enrollment period for new Affordable Care Act health insurance.
This means you'll need to wait until an open enrollment period opens for new major medical coverage:
- During the federal Open Enrollment.
- Getting health insurance as an employee-sponsored benefit
- Obtain coverage through a spouse's work insurance plan.
What Are My Options When COBRA Ends?
When you've exhausted all 18 or 36 months of continuation coverage, you qualify for an open enrollment period for new Affordable Care Act Health insurance. Read more about other options when COBRA continuation ends.
Does COBRA Stop When I Quit Paying?
Yes, if you stop paying your COBRA premiums, your coverage will be terminated, usually after a 30-day grace period. You may still be responsible for any unpaid premiums during the time coverage was active. Always notify the plan administrator if you intend to cancel.
Will I Get A Refund?
You may get a refund if you paid for coverage you didn’t use, but it's not guaranteed. Refunds are handled by the plan administrator and depend on the plan’s rules. Be sure to contact them as soon as possible to review your options.
Did You Forget to Cancel?
If you forgot to cancel COBRA, you may still be responsible for premiums until you notify the administrator in writing. COBRA coverage continues automatically each month unless canceled. Contact your plan administrator right away to avoid additional charges.
Employer May Cancel COBRA
Your past employer or plan administrator may cancel the COBRA plan for these reasons:
- You contact your past employer to request termination of your COBRA plan.
- You fail to make an election during the election period.
- You start group health coverage with a new employer.
- You become eligible for Medicare.
- You reach the full 18, 29, or 36 months of COBRA coverage.
- You miss a premium payment.
Contact your COBRA Administrator if you have questions about cancellation.
Early Termination by Employee
COBRA coverage may also end because you choose to stop it. Common reasons include:
Cancellation Assistance
Should you cancel COBRA and need help with medical coverage until your next employer health insurance starts, you may call customer service for a consult. Depending on your current health situation will determine what’s best for you.
Other Health Coverage Options
If you can't afford COBRA and are waiting for new workplace health insurance, you can get temporary medical plan from a private insurance company for a short period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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