Can I cancel COBRA anytime on Reddit?

Asked by: Gustave Kirlin  |  Last update: May 31, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (30 votes)

You can cancel your COBRA at any time- all you have to do is either not pay your COBRA premiums or contact your COBRA administrator and cancel the coverage. If you don't know who your COBRA administrator is, you'll have to call your former employer.

Can I cancel my COBRA at any time?

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.

What is the 60 day loophole for cobras?

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.

Is canceling COBRA considered a qualifying event?

However, you won't qualify if you decide to end COBRA early and are paying the full benefit cost yourself. You also don't qualify if you lose your COBRA coverage because you didn't pay your premiums. Remember, you don't need a special enrollment period if you voluntarily end COBRA during open enrollment.

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.

How To Cancel COBRA Insurance | cancel cobra insurance plan

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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.

Do I have to pay for COBRA if I don't use it?

COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. 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 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 I decline COBRA?

Decide not to participate in COBRA and apply for special enrollment through Covered California. Because you will be newly uninsured, you will qualify for special enrollment in a Covered California health insurance plan outside of the annual open-enrollment period.

Can you cancel health insurance at any time through your employer?

During your employer group's annual open enrollment period each year, you can cancel or change your coverage. Outside of open enrollment, cancellation is typically only allowed for life status change events. Examples include marriage, divorce, having a baby, leaving the company, or significant plan changes.

Can I use COBRA if I quit?

Whether you quit, get fired or are laid off, you may be able to choose your former employer's health plan under a federal law called COBRA. That stands for Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act. It's available if: You were enrolled in an employer-sponsored medical, dental or vision plan.

How much does COBRA typically cost per month?

The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.

How to waive COBRA coverage?

If you are currently receiving COBRA coverage for which a premium is being paid and you wish to waive future coverage, you can simply refrain from paying the COBRA premium for that coverage period.

Can you cancel COBRA anytime on Reddit?

You CAN cancel cobra at any time, but that would be a voluntary cancelation if done before the 18 months is up and would not allow you to join the new work insurance mid year. So you can either get on the new insurance when it is first offered OR wait until the open enrollment time to join.

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.

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.

Can I stop COBRA whenever I want?

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.

Why is COBRA so expensive?

Loss of Employer Subsidy: When you were employed, your employer likely subsidized a significant portion of your health insurance premium. However, with COBRA, the employer is no longer required to contribute to the premium, leaving you responsible for the full cost of the insurance, plus added administrative fees.

Can you drop COBRA anytime?

Keep in mind if you choose to terminate your COBRA continuation coverage early with no special enrollment opportunity at that time, you generally will have to wait to enroll in other coverage until the next open enrollment period for the new group health plan or the Marketplace.

What to do when a COBRA is too expensive?

If you decide COBRA is too expensive, consider a Marketplace health insurance plan for your coverage needs.

Does cancelling COBRA count as a qualifying event?

No, stopping payment for COBRA coverage is not considered a qualifying event. Once you choose COBRA, that's your health insurance until another plan has been made available.

Can I cancel COBRA if I get a new job?

There's no federal mandate to cancel COBRA upon obtaining new job-based insurance. In a scenario where someone has already met their out-of-pocket maximum on COBRA coverage from their most recent employer, maintaining COBRA might be beneficial if a costly medical procedure is upcoming.

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.

When can you terminate COBRA for non payment?

If you fail to make any payment before the end of the initial 45-day period, the plan can terminate your COBRA rights. The plan should set due dates for any subsequent premium payments, but it must provide a minimum 30-day grace period for each payment.

Is COBRA a mandatory benefit?

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) is a federal law that requires employers of 20 or more employees who offer health care benefits to offer the option of continuing this coverage to individuals who would otherwise lose their benefits due to termination of employment, reduction in hours or ...