Can you get COBRA after deductible is met?

Asked by: Dr. Grace Jenkins Jr.  |  Last update: September 15, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (5 votes)

Your election of COBRA is a continuation of the exact same health plan you had through your employer. Because it is the same insurance policy, if you've met your deductible already, you will not have rollback to $0 out-of-pocket after you've started COBRA.

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.

What happens to insurance coverage after deductible is met?

Coinsurance – Your share of the costs of a covered health care service, calculated as a percent (for example, 20%) of the allowed amount for the service. You pay the coinsurance plus any deductibles you owe. If you've paid your deductible: you pay 20% of $100, or $20. The insurance company pays the rest.

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.

Can you get COBRA retroactively?

COBRA coverage is retroactive if elected and paid for by the qualified beneficiary.

COBRA Insurance | What You Need to Know

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How far can you backdate COBRA?

COBRA is always retroactive to the day after your employer coverage ends. So, you'll need to pay your premiums for that period too.

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.

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.

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.

Can I be denied COBRA benefits?

Under COBRA, a person who has been terminated for gross misconduct may be denied COBRA. Gross misconduct is not specifically defined by COBRA, but when based on an employer's practice or policy it could include misrepresentation during the hiring process or falsifying information on a Form I-9.

What do I do once I've met my deductible?

Steps to take after meeting your deductible
  1. Fill your prescriptions. Once you've met your deductible, it's a good idea to fill your prescriptions for the year, if possible. ...
  2. Complete your annual physical. ...
  3. Get in with specialists. ...
  4. Schedule testing, screenings, and lab work.

What if I need surgery but can't afford my deductible?

In cases like this, we recommend contacting your insurance, surgeon, or hospital and asking if they can help you with a payment plan. Remember that your surgery provider wants to get paid so they may be very willing to work with you on a payment plan.

Do you pay 100% until deductible is met?

Let's say your plan's deductible is $2,600. That means for most services, you'll pay 100 percent of your medical and pharmacy bills until the amount you pay reaches $2,600. After that, you share the cost with your plan by paying coinsurance and copays.

What is the 18 month rule for COBRA?

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.

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 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.

Is there a better option than COBRA?

Marketplace insurance, available through the Affordable Care Act, often offers more affordable premiums than COBRA. The cost difference can vary based on the chosen plan, location, and income, as subsidies may reduce premiums for marketplace plans.

What is the largest disadvantage of COBRA?

Limited coverage duration:

One of the significant drawbacks of COBRA is its limited coverage duration. Typically, COBRA allows individuals to retain their employer-provided health insurance for up to 18 months after leaving their job or experiencing a qualifying event.

Does COBRA kick in immediately?

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.

Is COBRA more expensive than Obamacare?

The Affordable Care Act Marketplace as an Alternative

One of the primary advantages of the ACA Marketplace is its financial accessibility. Not only are Marketplace plans generally less expensive than COBRA, but a significant portion of individuals qualify for subsidies which can further reduce the cost.

Can I get COBRA if I quit?

Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After You Quit Your Job

COBRA allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months if your coverage ends due to job loss, quitting or termination.

How do I find out how much COBRA will cost me?

Two Ways To Determine Your Cost

Determining your COBRA insurance cost can be done in two ways: using our COBRA Premium Cost Calculator or referencing your W-2 form. Both methods give an accurate estimate of your monthly premium, including any potential administrative fees.

Who is not eligible for COBRA?

Indemnity policies, PPOs, HMOs, and self-insured plans are all eligible for COBRA extension; however, federal government employee plans and church plans are exempt from COBRA. Individual health insurance is also exempt from COBRA extension.

How can I reduce my COBRA cost?

To reduce your COBRA insurance cost per month, one option is to see whether your employer offers other lower-cost plan options with a lower coverage level. This tradeoff could make sense if you're healthy. You can't switch plans immediately after losing your job.

Why is Cobra insurance so high?

COBRA continuation coverage is often more expensive than the amount that active employees are required to pay for group health coverage, since the employer usually pays part of the cost of employees' coverage and all of that cost can be charged to individuals receiving continuation coverage.