Add a Spouse, Child, or Newborn to COBRA Coverage

  1. Knowledge Base
  2. Managing Your Plan
  3. Adding / Removing Dependents
If my husband elects to go on to COBRA, can I go on at a later date or do we both have to apply at the same time?
No. You cannot add new people to COBRA after the election period ends. Each qualified beneficiary has the right to elect COBRA separately, but the decision must be made within the 60-day election window. You are not required to keep every qualified beneficiary on COBRA, but you cannot add anyone new once the election period has passed.

What You Need to Know

  • You may add a spouse or new dependents to COBRA coverage after qualifying life events such as birth, adoption, or marriage.
  • Domestic partners may be eligible if the employer’s group health plan covered them before COBRA began.
  • You must notify the COBRA administrator promptly, and documentation may be required to add dependents.

Adding a Newborn, Adopted Child, or Spouse to COBRA Coverage

Certain life events, including the birth or adoption of a child or marriage, allow dependents to be added to COBRA coverage. A spouse is considered a qualified dependent, and in some cases employers may also extend eligibility to domestic partners if the employer’s group health plan included them before COBRA.

Contact Your COBRA Administrator

To add a newborn to COBRA coverage, you need to contact the COBRA administrator listed on your election notice or billing statement. The administrator manages COBRA enrollments and will provide instructions and any required forms.

COBRA is the federal law that allows you to keep your former employer’s group health plan, but the insurance company cannot add dependents directly without notice from the administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A spouse is considered a qualified dependent and can be added to COBRA coverage if you experience a qualifying life event such as marriage.

Yes. Birth or adoption is a qualifying event that allows you to add the child to COBRA coverage. Notify the COBRA administrator as soon as possible to avoid gaps in coverage.

Sometimes. Domestic partner eligibility depends on whether your employer’s group health plan covered them before COBRA started. Contact the COBRA administrator for confirmation.

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