Early Termination Rules and Options

My husband's COBRA is too expensive! Can we sign up for my work's health plan, instead?

Stopping payment for COBRA coverage is not considered a qualifying event to obtain new health insurance. Once you choose COBRA, that will remain as your Affordable Care Act health insurance until the next open enrollment period you would qualify for.

This could be a spouse or partner’s employer's open enrollment period, you’ve been offer health insurance by a new employer or during the federal open enrollment period to begin an Affordable Care Act plan.

Early Termination by Employer

COBRA continuation coverage may end before the maximum period for the following reasons:

Premiums are not paid in full by the required due date.
The employer no longer offers any group health plan.
The qualified beneficiary obtains coverage under another group health plan after electing continuation coverage.
The qualified beneficiary becomes eligible for Medicare after electing continuation coverage.
The qualified beneficiary commits fraud or engages in behavior that would result in termination of coverage for a similarly situated individual not receiving continuation coverage.

If continuation coverage ends early, the plan must send a notice of early termination.

Are You Stuck Without Coverage?

When you're transitioning between jobs, having health insurance is important to avoid the high costs of medical expenses. If you've decided to stop COBRA a short-term medical plan vs COBRA may provide peace of mind in case of new illness or an accident.

Short-term health insurance is a popular option due to its affordability.

Need to Cancel COBRA?

You'll cancel your COBRA continuation plan with your COBRA Administrator. This is someone in the Human Resources department that the health insurance is through or the company's third-party administrator.

Your COBRA Election paperwork will have your Administrators contact information.