Can My Dependents Continue COBRA When I Get Medicare?

Can I Take COBRA Coverage With Medicare I Already Have?

1. COBRA with Medicare: Generally, if you are already covered by Medicare before you elect COBRA, you can still choose COBRA coverage. However, COBRA may act as secondary insurance to Medicare. It’s important to consider the benefits and costs of maintaining COBRA in addition to Medicare, as COBRA can be expensive and might not provide significant additional coverage beyond what Medicare offers.
2. Coordination of Benefits: When you have both Medicare and COBRA, Medicare typically pays first for your healthcare bills, and COBRA may cover some remaining costs that Medicare does not fully pay. However, this coordination can vary, so it’s essential to understand your specific needs and how both coverages can work together.

Additional Considerations

Enrollment Timing: If you’re considering COBRA as a supplement to Medicare, be aware of the timing. Generally, once you are entitled to Medicare, you cannot delay Medicare enrollment to choose COBRA instead without facing possible late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part B.

Employer Size: The rules around COBRA and Medicare also depend on the size of the employer. For small employers with fewer than 20 employees, Medicare is the primary payer, and COBRA can be secondary. For larger employers, the specifics can vary.

It’s Your Choice

For your situation, your wife should be able to elect COBRA coverage independently, allowing her to maintain health insurance coverage until she is also eligible for Medicare. You can maintain COBRA alongside Medicare, but consider the costs and benefits. Each individual’s circumstances can affect the optimal choice, so reviewing your specific situation with a benefits coordinator or health insurance advisor is advisable to make the most informed decision.