Can COBRA be Cancelled at any time?

Asked by: Mia Smitham II  |  Last update: November 22, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (37 votes)

Yes, you can cancel COBRA coverage at any time. However, be aware that cancellation does not trigger a special enrollment period for new health insurance.

Can I cancel COBRA whenever?

You may voluntarily terminate your coverage prior to the last day of COBRA for any reason. There are three ways to do so: Terminate coverage on your online account. For instructions, see How to terminate coverage in your COBRA online account.

Can COBRA coverage be terminated early?

COBRA provides that your continuation coverage may be terminated before the end of the maximum coverage period for any of the following reasons: The Plan Sponsor no longer provides group health coverage to any of its employees. Any required premium for continuation coverage is not paid in full on time.

What is the COBRA 60 day loophole?

Generous Time to Enroll

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.

What are the disadvantages of cobra insurance?

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.

My Employer Did Not Give Me My COBRA Continuation Health Coverage - What Do I Do?

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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.

How much does COBRA cost for one month?

Based on plan and state, COBRA costs range from about $400 to $700 per month and are based on the following: Your previous monthly insurance contribution. Your recent employer's monthly insurance contribution.

What is the 18 month rule for COBRA?

When Federal COBRA ends, eligible employees can buy 18 months additional health coverage under Cal-COBRA. All qualified beneficiaries are generally eligible for continuation coverage for 36 months after the date the qualified beneficiary's benefits would otherwise have terminated.

What is the 105 day COBRA loophole?

So, if you maxed out the 60 day election period plus the 45 day payment period, you could actually go 105 days without paying for the coverage.

How do you keep a COBRA for 36 months?

Second Qualifying Event - If you are receiving an 18-month maximum period of continuation coverage, you may become entitled to an 18-month extension (giving a total maximum period of 36 months of continuation coverage) if you experience a second qualifying event that is the death of a covered employee, the divorce or ...

Can I decline COBRA?

You must decide to accept or reject COBRA coverage during a certain time period (usually 60 days after your employer notifies you). You must pay your monthly premiums or you can lose your coverage. Once you have used up all your COBRA benefits, you may be able to get an extension of coverage under Cal-COBRA.

How long do you have to give a COBRA termination notice?

An employer that is subject to COBRA requirements is required to notify its group health plan administrator within 30 days after an employee's employment is terminated, or employment hours are reduced.

Can I use COBRA for dental only?

For example, if you were covered under the medical and dental components on the day before your qualifying event, you may elect continuation coverage for medical only, dental only, or both.

What are the rules for COBRA coverage?

COBRA eligibility has three basic requirements that must be met for you to get a continuation of coverage:
  • Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA.
  • A qualifying event must occur.
  • You must be a qualified beneficiary for that event.

How does COBRA affect taxes?

Are my COBRA premiums deductible? Yes they are tax deductible as a medical expense. There isn't necessarily a “COBRA Tax Deduction”. You can only deduct the amount of COBRA medical expenses on your federal income tax in excess of 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income and then only if you itemize deductions.

Can I switch from COBRA to private insurance?

You can only drop COBRA and sign up for a Marketplace plan and premium tax credits during Open Enrollment. You will have to drop your COBRA coverage effective on the date your new Marketplace plan coverage begins.

Can COBRA be Cancelled?

Yes, you can cancel COBRA coverage at any time.

What is the loophole for COBRA coverage?

Understanding the 60-Day Loophole

It's not so much of a loophole, but two 60-day windows of time to remember. You have a 60-day window following the end of your employer-sponsored plan to select COBRA coverage or choose a new plan in the individual ACA marketplace.

What is the penalty for COBRA notice?

Failing to adhere to COBRA rules can result in costly penalties. The Department of Labor may impose fines of $110 per day per qualified beneficiary for non-compliance with notice requirements, and the IRS can levy excise taxes for violations.

Why is COBRA so expensive?

Why is COBRA more expensive than employer-sponsored insurance? COBRA is more expensive because the individual is responsible for the entire premium amount without the employer's financial contribution that is provided during active employment.

What is COBRA grace period?

Is there a grace period? The COBRA law allows for a 30-day grace period, after the premium due date, for paying or postmarking your premium. Please note, 30 days does NOT mean 31 days. There is no way to extend the deadline, even if you are out of town or forget to make your payment.

How long can you stay on COBRA after leaving a job?

You can stay on COBRA for 18 or 36 Months

However, dependents on the plan, such as a spouse or children, can be eligible for up to 36 months of coverage under certain circumstances, like divorce or the death of the covered employee.

What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?

COBRA cons
  • 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 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.

Are there alternatives to COBRA?

Instead of enrolling in COBRA continuation coverage, there may be other more affordable coverage options for you and your family through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or other group health plan coverage (such as a spouse's plan) through what is called a “special enrollment period.” Some of these options ...