Can I keep COBRA and Medicare?
Asked by: Shaun Terry | Last update: January 14, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (71 votes)
Can you have Medicare and COBRA insurance at the same time?
If you sign up for COBRA and you are eligible for Medicare at the same time, your COBRA benefits are intended to be paid after Medicare pays, even if you haven't actually signed up for Medicare. And when you do sign up for Medicare later you could be subject to premium penalties for late enrollment.
Can you have both Medicaid and COBRA?
However, individuals eligible for this group may also meet the separate requirements for another Medicaid eligibility group. In such cases, the individual is eligible for both groups, and therefore eligible for payment of COBRA premiums and any other state plan services available under the non-COBRA group.
Can I defer Medicare if I have a COBRA?
COBRA is not qualifying coverage to delay Medicare enrollment regardless of the number of employees. COBRA is secondary to Medicare meaning the employer plan pays only 20% of eligible charges. This occurs even if the Medicare eligible person does not sign up for Medicare A/B. I wish more ppl realized this.
Does COBRA terminate Medicare?
Your COBRA coverage may be terminated if: You become eligible for Medicare. You reach the maximum coverage limit. You do not pay your COBRA premiums on time.
Got COBRA? Here's How Medicare and COBRA Work When You're 65+
Does COBRA let you keep your health insurance?
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.
Who pays first, COBRA or Medicare?
If you have Medicare, Medicare pays first, and COBRA acts as your secondary coverage. (The only exception is if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In that case, COBRA pays first.) In most instances, your COBRA coverage will end if you enroll in Medicare.
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 COBRA cheaper than Medicare?
Any premium for COBRA is in addition to any premiums you pay for Medicare and is not reduced when COBRA is secondary coverage to Medicare. For COBRA, you will pay 102% of the premium the employer pays.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).
Can I stay on COBRA after age 65?
If you get COBRA before Medicare
This is very important because some people will wrongly assume that COBRA will continue, and they don't need Medicare at age 65. This isn't true. Once you become entitled to Medicare, COBRA primary coverage benefits will cease.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.
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 you be on COBRA and Medicaid at the same time?
Can I choose option that is best for me? Yes, eligibility for COBRA does not affect your eligibility for Medicaid or vice versa. Medicaid also offers premium-free coverage (in some states Medicaid charges a nominal monthly premium for some adults) with no or nominal cost sharing.
Can you have dual coverage with COBRA?
Is it possible for me to opt into COBRA while also being covered by my partner's workplace insurance? Yes, you can have COBRA and be covered under your spouse's work insurance plan.
How do COBRA and Medicare work together?
If you have Medicare Part A or Part B when you become eligible for COBRA, you must be allowed to enroll in COBRA. Medicare is your primary insurance, and COBRA is secondary. You should keep Medicare because it is responsible for paying the majority of your health care costs.
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.
Does Medicare cancel COBRA?
If you have COBRA before signing up for Medicare, your COBRA will probably end once you sign up. You have up to 8 months after you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) to sign up for Part B without a penalty, whether or not you choose COBRA.
Can I quit and get COBRA?
Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After You Quit Your Job
To be eligible for COBRA, you need to have been a covered employee and must have had insurance coverage at the time of your employment termination.
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.
Does health insurance end immediately after termination?
Employers aren't required to continue providing health insurance coverage after termination, so most workers lose coverage immediately or at the end of their last month of employment. However, most companies must allow you to stay on your plan through COBRA continuation coverage.
What is the best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?
- Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
- Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
- Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
- Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.
How long can I stay on COBRA?
You can stay on COBRA for 18 or 36 Months
COBRA coverage generally lasts 18 months for the employee. 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 happens to my younger wife when I go on Medicare?
Medicare is individual insurance, so spouses cannot be on the same Medicare plan together. Now, if your spouse is eligible for Medicare, then he or she can get their own Medicare plan.