Can I elect COBRA online?
Asked by: Cooper Upton | Last update: November 18, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (65 votes)
Can you enroll in COBRA online?
Employers offering COBRA coverage have different methods for enrollment. Some may use third-party administrators with online registration, while others may use traditional paper methods through their HR department.
How do I elect COBRA coverage?
If you are entitled to elect COBRA coverage, you must be given an election period of at least 60 days (starting on the later of the date you are furnished the election notice or the date you would lose coverage) to choose whether or not to elect continuation coverage.
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.
How To Elect COBRA Online
Does COBRA paperwork have to be mailed?
Notices must be provided in person or by first class mail. Q13: What does a COBRA election notice include?
Can COBRA notifications be emailed?
The Email Notification Service allows members the option to receive an email notification in place of receiving a paper letter. The email notifies the member of an available communication and provides instructions to log into the Member Portal to view the communication. The email will be sent from cbizcobra@cbiz.com.
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.
Is there a website for COBRA?
COBRAinsurance.com is a resource for understanding COBRA continuation coverage, including how it works, how to enroll, and how to manage an existing plan. This website also highlights other health insurance options that may be suitable for individuals and families between employer-sponsored plans.
How soon do COBRA benefits start?
Even if your enrollment is delayed, you will be covered by COBRA starting the day your prior coverage ended. You will receive a notice from your employer with information about deadlines for enrollment.
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.
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 much does COBRA typically cost per month?
COBRA coverage is not cheap.
A COBRA premium can cost on average $400 to $700 a month per person.
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.
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.
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.
Can I cancel COBRA and enroll in marketplace?
You can only drop COBRA and sign up for a Marketplace plan and premium tax credits during Open Enrollment.
Do I use my old insurance card for COBRA?
Will I be receiving a new insurance card or do I still use my old one? Since COBRA insurance is a continuation of your previous employer's group health policy, you will be able to use the same ID cards. The old card will be re-activated once your employer has received your COBRA payment.
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).
What is the grace period for COBRA?
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 to pay for COBRA online?
One-Time Electronic Payments: ACH, Credit Card, or Debit Card Payments: Payments can also be made by one-time ACH, debit card, and credit card. From your online Vita COBRA member portal, go to the “Make Payment” option and select your payment method.
Is COBRA active immediately?
COBRA coverage timeline
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.
Who is responsible for sending a COBRA notice?
COBRA Election Notice and Election Form. The HR office is required to provide an election notice and election form to covered employees and their qualified beneficiaries within 14 calendar days of a COBRA qualifying event or when the HR office is notified, whichever comes first.
How long does it take to elect a COBRA?
60 Days. If you are eligible to choose COBRA coverage, you have a period of at least 60 days, from the date you receive the election notice or the date you will lose coverage to choose whether to continue coverage or not.