Can my spouse stay on COBRA if I go on Medicare?
Asked by: Forest Howell | Last update: October 21, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (37 votes)
What happens to my spouse when I go on Medicare?
Medicare does not specifically cover spouses. However, some people qualify based on their spouse's or a former spouse's work record. Some people may qualify for Medicare by reaching age 65 years and having their own eligible work and tax records. Others, however, may not have worked for the required number of quarters.
How long can my spouse stay on COBRA?
A covered employee's spouse who would lose coverage due to a divorce may elect continuation coverage under the plan for a maximum of 36 months. A qualified beneficiary must notify the plan administrator of a qualifying event within 60 days after divorce or legal separation.
Can you be on COBRA and Medicaid at the same time?
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.
What is the COBRA 60 day loophole?
Generous Time to Enroll
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.
Spousal Coverage MISTAKES You Can't Afford to Make!
Can I have Medicare and COBRA 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.
Who is not eligible for COBRA?
Why would an employee not qualify to enroll in Cal-COBRA? The employee is enrolled in or eligible for Medicare. The employee does not enroll within 60 days of receiving the notice of eligibility from the employer. The employee is covered by another health plan.
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.
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.
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.
Can you add a spouse to COBRA?
Yes, if you're on COBRA continuation coverage and you get married, your new spouse and her children can become eligible for COBRA coverage under your plan.
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.
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.
What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?
Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, and it's difficult to decipher all the language written into these plans and options. Medicare mistakes to avoid include missing your initial enrollment period, signing up for the wrong coverage, not paying your premiums, and assuming your spouse is covered.
Is there a penalty for Cobra and Medicare Part B?
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.
How does ACA work if one spouse is on Medicare?
Yes, you can apply for Obamacare even if your spouse is enrolled in Medicare. Your eligibility for Obamacare depends on your individual circumstances, including income and household size, rather than your spouse's Medicare enrollment.
Is it better to be on Medicare or Medicaid?
While Medicare is the primary payer for medical needs, Medicaid can cover costs that Medicare coverage does not. When you visit a provider that takes both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first for the cost of your care. Medicaid pays second, covering copays and other costs not covered.
What are the three requirements for Medicare?
- Age 65 or older.
- Disabled.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Can I stay on COBRA when I turn 65?
Once you become entitled to Medicare, COBRA primary coverage benefits will cease.
Can I have COBRA and a Medicare supplement?
While it is possible to get COBRA if you already have Medicare, it is not usually possible to keep COBRA if you have it before you become Medicare-eligible. Specifically, whether you can have both COBRA and Medicare depends on which form of insurance you have first.
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.
How many months is COBRA eligible?
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. COBRA coverage follows a "qualifying event".
How expensive is COBRA?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
How do you keep a COBRA for 36 months?
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.