Can I continue my COBRA after 18 months?
Asked by: Mrs. Kelly Stanton DVM | Last update: January 19, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (22 votes)
Can you extend COBRA benefits past 18 months?
California Insurance Code (CIC) Section 10128.59 provides extension under Cal-COBRA for those who have exhausted their 18 months on federal COBRA (or longer in special circumstances) for a total extension that cannot exceed 36 months.
How long can you stay on COBRA after leaving a job?
While COBRA is temporary, in most circumstances, you can stay on COBRA for 18 to 36 months.
Is there a gap in coverage with COBRA?
If you elect COBRA continuation coverage instead of Medicare, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty and may have a gap in coverage if you later decide you want Part B. If you enroll in Medicare Part A or B before your COBRA coverage ends, your plan may terminate your COBRA coverage.
How far back can COBRA be retroactive?
Yes, you would be covered from the date of your retirement and lost coverage. COBRA is meant to do exactly that. Even if you elect for COBRA a month after you lose your coverage, COBRA works retroactively after you elect it, all the way back to the date of the loss of coverage as long as you make your premium payment.
How to Renew COBRA Health Insurance After 18 Months : COBRA Insurance
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.
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 you go on COBRA twice?
It may be possible for qualified beneficiaries to extend their original 18-month period of COBRA continuation coverage for an additional 18 months (for a total maximum coverage period of 36 months) if they experience a second qualifying event. Second qualifying events are: Death of the covered employee.
What happens when your COBRA runs out?
What do I do when my COBRA runs out? Since the Affordable Care Act, running out of COBRA continuation coverage is now a “qualifying life event,” which means that you now have a “special enrollment period” in which you may enroll in an insurance plan outside of open enrollment.
What are the rules for COBRA coverage?
- Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA.
- A qualifying event must occur.
- You must be a qualified beneficiary for that event.
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.
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.
Does health insurance end the day you quit?
When does health insurance expire after leaving a job in California? Your health insurance may expire the day you leave your job, or at the end of that month. For instance, if you quit on January 10th, you may have coverage through January 31st. You'll need to find out what your employer's policy is.
What happens if I turn 26 while on COBRA?
Turning 26 initiates a special enrollment period, requiring you to find new coverage. Options include COBRA continuation, short-term insurance, marketplace plans, or employer-sponsored plans.
What is the grace period for COBRA payments?
After you are established on your COBRA coverage, ongoing monthly payments are due the first day of each month. There is a grace period of 30 days from the due date for ongoing monthly premium payments. If you mail your payment, it must be postmarked within the 30-day grace period.
Can you stay on COBRA after getting a new job?
Yes, you can keep COBRA coverage even when your new employer offers health insurance. The decision to retain COBRA or opt for the new employer's plan depends on your personal circumstances, such as comparing benefits and costs. There's no federal mandate to cancel COBRA upon obtaining new job-based insurance.
Does COBRA automatically cancel after 18 months?
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.
How long can you be on COBRA if you quit?
COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months).
Can I switch from COBRA to the marketplace?
From January 16-October 31: You can switch from COBRA to a Marketplace plan if: Your COBRA coverage is running out. You have to pay the full cost of COBRA coverage because your former employer stops contributing, or you lose a government subsidy (like COBRA premium assistance).
Can I extend my COBRA coverage beyond 18 months?
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.
How much does COBRA cost per month?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
Is COBRA tax deductible?
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.
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.
What happens if I turn 65 while on COBRA?
In addition, a COBRA carrier may be able to bill you for any benefits paid by mistake when Medicare should have paid first. If you're already on COBRA when you become eligible for Medicare, you will lose your COBRA benefits and none of this applies to you.
How do I get my COBRA back at home?
Contract your abs to give core support and then initiate the exercise by flexing your shoulders and raising the bar straight out in front of you. Ensure your elbows remain extended and your wrists neutral throughout. Lift the barbell just over shoulder height, pause briefly and then lower. Repeat.