Can you get COBRA coverage for 1 month?


Editorial team Published on

Yes, you can use COBRA Continuation Coverage for just one month.

How One-Month COBRA Works

  • No long-term commitment: While COBRA can last up to 18 months, you are not required to keep it for the full duration. You can cancel it at any time.
  • The 60-day rule: You have 60 days from the date your employment ends (or the date you receive your COBRA notice) to decide whether to enroll.
  • Retroactive coverage trick: Because COBRA has a 60-day decision window and coverage is retroactive, many people wait to see if they need medical care. If you have a medical emergency or need a prescription within 60 days of losing coverage, you can retroactively elect and pay for that single month of COBRA to cover the bills. If you do not need care, you can let the window expire without paying anything.

Important Things to Know

  • Full cost: You must pay the entire premium your employer used to pay, plus a 2% administrative fee, which makes COBRA very expensive for a single month.
  • Switching limits: Once you formally enroll and pay for COBRA, you generally cannot switch to an Affordable Care Act Marketplace plan until the next open enrollment period unless you experience another qualifying life event.