Can a dependent get COBRA without the employee?
Asked by: Prof. Salvatore Schmeler | Last update: July 19, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (49 votes)
Can a dependent go on COBRA without an employee?
Coverage for Dependents
Your dependents (i.e., spouse, former spouse or children) are also eligible for COBRA coverage, even if you (the former employee) do not sign up for COBRA coverage.
Can I elect COBRA for my child only?
Hey 👋. Cobra can only be offered to the employee and their dependent (you) if they were all previously enrolled. Cobra can not be offered to the dependent only ,the employee (your husband ) will need to be enrolled as well in other to continue coverage because the insurance is through his company.
Does COBRA apply to family members?
Federal COBRA is a federal law that lets you keep your group health plan when your job ends or your hours are cut. Federal COBRA requires continuation coverage be offered to covered employees, their spouses, former spouses, and dependent children.
How long can a dependent child stay on COBRA?
Once your child "ages out" the child may be eligible for coverage under his or her own employer's plan, for special enrollment in Marketplace coverage or may be eligible to purchase temporary extended health coverage for up to 36 months under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
How COBRA Act works | Benefit Administration
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.
Is dependent care COBRA eligible?
COBRA premiums are not eligible with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). What is COBRA insurance?
How long can dependents stay on COBRA if employee dies?
In that case, COBRA lasts for eighteen months. If the qualifying event is the death of the covered employee, divorce or legal separation of the covered employee from the covered employee's spouse, or the covered employee becoming entitled to Medicare, COBRA for the spouse or dependent child lasts for 36 months.
Does COBRA kick in immediately?
An employee eligible for COBRA insurance must opt for it within 60 days of their employer-sponsored insurance termination date. The coverage starts the day the previous coverage ends.
Can you drop a dependent from COBRA?
Generally, COBRA requires that an employee, spouse or dependent child be covered by the plan the day prior to the qualifying event. However, there is an exception in the regulation regarding spouses or dependent children who are dropped by an employee in anticipation of divorce or legal separation.
Can COBRA participants add dependents during open enrollment?
COBRA participants are offered the same rights as similarly situated active employees during the employer's open enrollment period. You may change plans and add/delete eligible dependents. Dependents added during open enrollment will not have the same COBRA rights as the “qualified beneficiaries.”
Why is COBRA so expensive?
COBRA coverage is not cheap.
Why? Because you're now responsible for paying your portion of your health insurance: The cost your employer contributed to your premium, in addition to the 2% service fee on the cost of your insurance.
What happens if I elect COBRA but don't pay?
There is no grace period if you're late paying your initial COBRA premium payment. 3 If it isn't paid on time (ie, within 45 days of electing COBRA), you lose your right to have COBRA coverage; you'll have to find other health insurance options or you'll be uninsured.
How do I add a dependent to COBRA?
You or your family member must notify both Vita COBRA and the group health plan company in writing within 30 days of the marriage, birth or adoption, in order to enroll the dependent on COBRA. Please note that some health plans will enroll your new-born child at no cost for the first 30 days of coverage.
How much does COBRA typically cost per month?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
Does COBRA cover loss of dependent status?
Loss of Dependent Child Status
If a dependent enrolled in a health plan loses eligibility because he or she loses dependent child status under the plan rules, that individual may be entitled to COBRA continuing coverage for up to 36 months.
Who is not eligible for COBRA?
Indemnity policies, PPOs, HMOs, and self-insured plans are all eligible for COBRA extension; however, federal government employee plans and church plans are exempt from COBRA. Individual health insurance is also exempt from COBRA extension.
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.
Who pays for COBRA after termination?
COBRA and Cal-COBRA
COBRA allows former employees, retirees, and their dependents to temporarily keep their health coverage. If you get COBRA, you must pay for the entire premium, including any portion that your employer may have paid in the past.
Can you get COBRA for just a dependent?
Only certain individuals can become qualified beneficiaries due to a qualifying event, and the type of qualifying event determines who can become a qualified beneficiary when it happens. A qualified beneficiary must be a covered employee, the employee's spouse or former spouse, or the employee's dependent child.
What are the 7 COBRA qualifying events?
The seven COBRA qualifying events that allow individuals to maintain their employer-sponsored health insurance include termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct, reduction in the number of work hours, divorce or legal separation from the covered employee, the covered employee becoming entitled ...
What happens when a dependent turns 26?
When your child reaches age 26, he or she is no longer eligible to be covered under your health benefits enrollment, unless your child is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability that existed before age 26.
Can you drop a dependent from COBRA at any time?
Yes. When you get the election form in the mail, you may choose your beneficiary coverage. Once the plan is back in effect, you may be able to remove dependents, but not add them unless the employer allows it or you have a qualifying event.
Who is eligible for dependent care?
A qualifying person generally is a dependent under the age of 13, a spouse or dependent of any age who is incapable of self-care and who lives with you for more than half of the year.
How does dependent health insurance work?
If a parent's health insurance plan covers dependents, you usually can be added to their plan and stay on it until you turn 26. Covered by a parent's plan and about to turn 26? See how to get your own health coverage.