Can you have Cobra and another insurance at the same time?

Asked by: Mr. Lemuel Hansen  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (49 votes)

You may not have COBRA continuation and another insurance at the same time. ... You may stay on COBRA as long as you do not obtain other insurance or become covered under your new employer's health insurance. The federal government's COBRA law allows workers to continue on the same plan they had when they working.

Does COBRA end when I get new insurance?

1) You enroll under another group health plan

COBRA is commonly used to provide continuous group health coverage between employment. You got the new job! ... Be sure to specify the date your new group coverage begins and COBRA coverage ends. Any overpayment of premiums is returned to you.

Can I stay on COBRA if I get another job?

You can keep COBRA coverage when you get a new job. That even includes if your new employer offers you a new health plan. Why would you want to keep expensive COBRA coverage if your new employer offers you a plan? One reason is the provider network.

How does COBRA work if I get a new job?

COBRA is attached to your employer group. Once you get a new employer, you sign up for their benefits and if you lose your job you will get their COBRA ( continuation coverage) if you elect it. You are no longer tied to your former employer.

Can I stay on COBRA when I turn 65?

Medicare Part A & B is insurance that is available to those 65 or older and those younger than 65 on Social Security Disability. ... You may be on COBRA after your employment ends, but once you are eligible for Medicare, you should enroll in Medicare A & B.

Everything you need to know about COBRA

22 related questions found

Can I have both COBRA and Medicare?

If you become eligible and enroll in Medicare before COBRA, the good news is that you can have both. Taking COBRA is optional, and depending on your situation, you may or may not want to. If you do decide to take COBRA, do not drop your Medicare plan.

How long can I take COBRA if I retire?

Retirees can use COBRA Insurance For 18 Months

Retirement is a qualifying event. When a qualified beneficiary retires from their job, the retired worker is entitled for up to 18 months health insurance continuation, which is the maximum amount of time an employee can keep COBRA continuation.

Can I keep my health insurance if I change jobs?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) offers special enrollment rights for qualifying life change events, which include changing jobs. This means you can get health insurance coverage through your spouse or parents without waiting for the plan's open enrollment period.

Can COBRA be extended due to Covid?

Soon after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the nation, the federal government extended the deadlines for electing COBRA and paying COBRA premiums for continuation of health insurance coverage. ... And, a COBRA premium is deemed timely if paid within 30 days after its due date.

Can new employer pay for COBRA?

Yes, an employer can pay all or part of a former or current employee's COBRA premiums. Employers may do so as a means to assist an employee during a merger, acquisition, layoff, termination, temporary or permanent disability, retirement, or as part of a recruitment strategy.

Can you have COBRA and employer insurance?

COBRA generally applies to all group health plans maintained by private-sector employers (with at least 20 employees) or by state and local governments. The law does not apply, however, to plans sponsored by the Federal Government or by churches and certain church-related organizations.

When you quit a job How long does insurance last?

COBRA is a federal law that may let you pay to stay on your employee health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee. To learn about your COBRA options, contact your employer.

How long can I keep my Cobra insurance?

Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) , continuation of health coverage starts from the date the covered employee's health insurance ends and, depending on the type of qualifying event, may last for 18 months, 29 months or 36 months.

Can I get COBRA for one month?

Although COBRA is temporary, you'll have time to find another plan. Federal coverage lasts 18 months, starting when your previous benefits end. ... Each time you enroll, you're entitled to the same benefits for the same period of time.

Does COBRA end mid month?

Continuation coverage must generally be available for a maximum period (18, 29, or 36 months). The group health plan may terminate continuation coverage early, however, for any number of specific reasons.

Does COBRA cover dental insurance?

With COBRA, you can continue the same coverage you had when you were employed. That includes medical, dental and vision plans. You cannot choose new coverage or change your plan to a different one.

How does Cobra insurance work if I quit my job?

Electing COBRA means you can keep your health insurance after quitting or being fired from a job. You are responsible for paying your premium and the employer's premium, plus a 2% admin fee. Coverage is available for up to 18 months, but an extension may be possible.

What happens when COBRA ends?

When your COBRA health insurance runs out, you can be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period that will allow you to enroll in an Obamacare health plan. ... Then you have 60 days from the end of your COBRA coverage to enroll in a plan from the Marketplace.

How can I get help with COBRA payments?

They can tell you whether you are eligible for COBRA or Cal-COBRA continuation coverage and the subsidies. You can also contact the Department of Managed Health Care's Help Center by calling 1-888-466-2219 or by visiting the Department's website and completing the Contact Form.

How long does health insurance last after switching jobs?

Yes, you can still get health insurance if you quit your job. You can keep your job-​based coverage for up to 18 months with a COBRA plan.

What happens to benefits when you switch jobs?

In general, you may not change your insurance benefits when you transfer unless your plan is unavailable in your new location. You'll keep your current enrollments at your new location. Therefore, you should not use UCPath to enroll in your benefits at your new location.

Is COBRA better than Covered California?

Cobra is really expensive and you might not be able to change plans. Covered California can be priced much lower and you can change plans. If you qualify for a Covered Ca tax credit, it's hard to justify paying full premium for Cobra. Again, our services as Certified Covered California agents is free to you.

Can I get COBRA if I retire early?

COBRA. ... COBRA lasts for 18 months after the employee has left the company and it can be extended in some cases. If retiring 18 months before becoming eligible for Medicare, this could be a great option for health insurance for an early retiree. COBRA allows you to keep your current insurance.

Can COBRA be extended beyond 18 months?

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.

Is COBRA the same as my insurance?

COBRA Is The Same Insurance You Had

By using your COBRA right, you simply have the same employer-sponsored health plan you just had before you lost it. When you elect to stay on your employer's health insurance, you keep your same doctors, copays and prescription coverage.