Am I automatically enrolled in COBRA?
Asked by: Dr. Ciara Buckridge | Last update: January 12, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (39 votes)
Are you automatically signed up for COBRA?
You should get a notice in the mail about your COBRA and Cal-COBRA rights. You have 60 days after being notified to sign up. If you are eligible for Federal COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your employer. If you are eligible for Cal-COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your health plan.
What happens if I don't enroll in COBRA?
What if I don't enroll in COBRA? You don't have to enroll in COBRA. You can compare the cost of COBRA with plans available through the Marketplace before deciding on health insurance. Explore coverage options through the Marketplace.
How do I know when a COBRA is active?
The coverage starts the day the previous coverage ends. The employer's COBRA administrator is responsible for sending out an election notice with information about deadlines for enrollment. For example, if employment ends on April 25, COBRA will pick up where the group health plan ends.
How do you know if you are subject to COBRA?
To be eligible for COBRA coverage, you must have been enrolled in your employer's health plan when you worked and the health plan must continue to be in effect for active employees.
COBRA Insurance | What You Need to Know
How do I get COBRA after I quit my job?
You have 60 days from a “qualifying event” or the date your notice is mailed (whichever is later) to enroll in COBRA. A qualifying life event can be a job loss, divorce or death of your spouse, among others. Your former employer will send you details about how to sign up.
How long does it take for COBRA to show up?
You have 60 days to enroll in COBRA once your employer-sponsored benefits end. Even if your enrollment is delayed, you will be covered by COBRA starting the day your prior coverage ended. You will receive a notice from your employer with information about deadlines for enrollment.
How much does COBRA typically cost per month?
COBRA coverage is not cheap.
A COBRA premium can cost on average $400 to $700 a month per person.
How do I activate COBRA?
- Check Your Eligibility. ...
- Read the COBRA Election Notice. ...
- Enrollment in COBRA.
What is the COBRA loophole?
If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.
What if my employer never sent COBRA paperwork?
What If I Did Not Receive a COBRA Election Letter? We recommend working with the employer's human resources department. Call and ask them to resend the health insurance continuation election form. They may refer you to their third-party administrator.
What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?
- COBRA can be expensive, especially compared to the premiums you were paying before your qualifying event. ...
- COBRA does not apply to all employer-sponsored health plans—in particular, those organizations with fewer than 20 employees may have no requirements. ...
- Even if you get an extension, COBRA is only temporary.
Is COBRA worth the money?
But ultimately, it depends on your situation. If you're not eligible for government subsidies and the costs of COBRA and ACA are similar, or if you've used up the deductible on your employer insurance before you leave your job, it might make sense for you to do a COBRA plan.
Is COBRA cheaper than marketplace?
Both COBRA and ACA Marketplace plans have their advantages. COBRA lets you keep your exact employer-based plan but is often more expensive. ACA plans may be more affordable, especially with subsidies, but require choosing a new plan. The best choice depends on your financial situation and healthcare needs.
Can I go to the doctor while waiting for a COBRA?
You will be reimbursed for any medical bills that you pay out-of-pocket during this period. Contact the plan administrator for more information on filing a claim for benefits. Complete plan rules are available from the employer's benefits offices.
Is COBRA paid in advance?
Payment is considered to be made on the date it is sent to the plan. If premiums are not paid by the first day of the period of coverage, the plan has the option to cancel coverage until payment is received and then reinstate coverage retroactively to the beginning of the period of coverage.
Do you automatically get COBRA?
COBRA coverage follows a "qualifying event". An example of a qualifying event would be if your hours were reduced or you lost your job (as long as there was no gross misconduct). Your employer must mail you the COBRA information and forms within 14 days after receiving notification of the qualifying event.
How do I know when COBRA is active?
COBRA is always effective the day after your active coverage ends. For most, active coverage terminates at the end of a month and COBRA is effective on the first day of the next month.
Can COBRA be done online?
Possibly. If the employer uses a third-party COBRA Administrator, they may use online accounts to manage the collection of premium payments, paperless billing and other notifications. Sometimes, an employer may manage their COBRA continuation themselves through the HR Department.
Can I get COBRA if I quit?
Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After You Quit Your Job
COBRA allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months if your coverage ends due to job loss, quitting or termination.
Can you go on COBRA for a month?
However, if you only need COBRA coverage for a short period of time, such as one or two months, you can pay only for those months from the coverage loss date.
Can I cancel COBRA and enroll in marketplace?
You can only drop COBRA and sign up for a Marketplace plan and premium tax credits during Open Enrollment.
Who sends out COBRA paperwork?
The HR office must provide the COBRA Election Notice and Election Form to qualified beneficiaries within 14 days from the date of the qualifying event or loss of coverage, or when the HR office is notified, whichever comes first.
What happens if I don't get COBRA paperwork?
If you are missing your COBRA enrollment paperwork, there are several steps you can take to obtain a new copy. First, you should contact your former employer's human resources department to request a new copy of the paperwork. They may be able to send it to you electronically or by mail.
How to elect COBRA coverage?
- Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA;
- A qualifying event must occur; and.
- You must be a qualified beneficiary for that event.