Can COBRA be done online?
Asked by: Abigale Ward | Last update: June 27, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (40 votes)
Can you complete COBRA online?
You can also complete your election electronically at MyBenefits.WageWorks.com and complete the Enroll COBRA section. You will not receive a new insurance card. You should continue to use the same cards provided to you by your insurance carrier(s).
Can COBRA payments be made online?
COBRA qualified beneficiaries (QBs) and special plan members (SPMs) have the option to make a payment online via the member portal. When logging into the system they will receive an option to make payment or setup recurring payments.
Can COBRA notices be sent electronically?
However, because COBRA notices must be provided via first-class mail to the home address where a spouse or dependent is also covered under the plan, the plan administrator must obtain consent from the spouse or dependent before delivering COBRA notices electronically.
What is the best way to pay COBRA premiums?
The three ways to pay COBRA premiums are through ACH (linked to your bank account), credit/debit card or check. We recommend paying by ACH.
How To Elect COBRA Online
How long do I have to make a COBRA payment?
The initial premium payment must be made within 45 days after the date of the COBRA election by the qualified beneficiary. Payment generally must cover the period of coverage from the date of COBRA election retroactive to the date of the loss of coverage due to the qualifying event.
How many days does an employer have to send a COBRA letter?
14-Day Notice Period
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.
How do I get COBRA through my employer?
Applying for COBRA begins with the employer who provided the health plan to notify you of your right to continuation. The employer has 30 days to notify the group health plan of the qualifying event. After that, the employer has 14 days to notify you of your COBRA right to keep your work health insurance.
Who is responsible for sending COBRA notice?
Under COBRA, group health plans must provide you and your family with specific notices explaining your COBRA rights. Plans must also have procedures for how COBRA continuation coverage is offered, how qualified beneficiaries may elect continuation coverage, and when it can be terminated.
What is the processing fee for COBRA online payments?
Pay online via debit or credit card. Please note: There's a $20 processing fee associated with any payments made online, and setting up ACH withdrawals is a free option.
Can I enroll in COBRA for just one 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 employer pay COBRA premiums directly?
An employer may agree to pay COBRA premiums directly to the insurer under a severance plan. If payments are untimely and COBRA is canceled, the former employee may claim a breach of contract.
Can I make my COBRA payment online?
To make a COBRA premium payment in your online account, complete the following steps: 1. Navigate to the Payment Summary tab under Payment Info on the left-hand side of the page. Click "Make Payment."
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.
Do COBRA letters need to be sent certified?
Employers should send notices by first-class mail, obtain a certificate of mailing from the post office, and keep a log of letters sent. Certified mailing should be avoided, as a returned receipt with no delivery acceptance signature proves the participant did not receive the required notice.
Can you enroll in COBRA online?
Depending on who your COBRA plan administrator is, they may have a website for you to manage your COBRA enrollment and premium payment. In your COBRA packet of information, there will be instructions on which website to go to for registering a new user account.
Can an employer deny COBRA coverage?
Gross misconduct provides a basis for denying COBRA coverage to the employee and to the employee's dependents.
How long does it take for a COBRA to kick in?
COBRA coverage timeline
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 long after termination can you apply for COBRA?
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 if my employer doesn't send me COBRA information?
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. If you miss the deadline, you may lose the chance to sign up for Federal COBRA or Cal-COBRA. Call the Help Center if you have any questions.
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 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.
How do I calculate my COBRA payment?
Using the information provided in Box 12 of your most recent W-2 form, labeled Code DD, you will find the total annual cost of your employer-sponsored health coverage. To determine your monthly COBRA premium, divide this annual amount by 12 and include any applicable administrative fees, which may be up to 2%.
How long can I stay on COBRA?
You can collect COBRA benefits for up to 18 months. This may be extended to 36 months under certain circumstances. If your employer has 20 or more employees, it must follow COBRA rules.