Do I use my old insurance card for COBRA?
Asked by: Margarett Herman | Last update: August 26, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (59 votes)
Do you keep your same insurance with COBRA?
Normally under COBRA, your plan does remain the same as it was under your employer meaning the benefits, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum should be identical.
Do you get new insurance cards for COBRA?
you can just use your insurance card. while the terms of coverage have changed (coverage as a dependent vs COBRA), it's still the same policy. your information will remain the same. it's uncommon for carriers to issue you a new ID card when you take COBRA.
Does COBRA use the same card?
You can also complete your election electronically at MyBenefits.WageWorks.com and complete the Enroll COBRA section. You will not receive a new insurance card. You should continue to use the same cards provided to you by your insurance carrier(s).
How do I pay my COBRA payment?
Payment can be made by check (personal check, business check, cashier check, bill pay check from a financial institution of your choice), money order, recurring electronic payment, one-time electronic payment, debit card, or credit card.
Should I Do COBRA or ACA?
How do people pay for COBRA?
The three ways to pay COBRA premiums are through ACH (linked to your bank account), credit/debit card or check. We recommend paying by ACH.
How many days do you have to pay for COBRA?
You can be required, however, to make an initial premium payment within 45 days after the date of your COBRA election (that is the date you mail in your election form, if you use first-class mail).
Do I use my old insurance card with COBRA?
Will I be receiving a new insurance card or do I still use my old one? Since COBRA insurance is a continuation of your previous employer's group health policy, you will be able to use the same ID cards. The old card will be re-activated once your employer has received your COBRA payment.
Is COBRA even worth it?
While it may seem like a lot of money, COBRA may actually cost you less than what you'll pay on the open market. That's because you may still get your former company's group discount. You can also use a health savings account (HSA) to pay for your COBRA premiums. They're considered a qualified medical expense.
Can I use COBRA from two months?
However, if you only need COBRA coverage for a short period of time, such as one or two months, you can pay only for those months from the coverage loss date.
How can I tell if my COBRA is active?
Contact your employer's health insurance plan administrator with questions about COBRA, including: If you currently have COBRA coverage.
Who pays for COBRA after termination?
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.
How do I access my COBRA benefits?
Applying for COBRA begins with the employer who provided the health plan to notify you of your right to continuation. The employer has 30 days to notify the group health plan of the qualifying event. After that, the employer has 14 days to notify you of your COBRA right to keep your work health insurance.
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.
How much does COBRA cost a month?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
What is the COBRA loophole?
If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.
What are disadvantages of Cobra insurance?
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.
How do I calculate my COBRA payment?
Using the information provided in Box 12 of your most recent W-2 form, labeled Code DD, you will find the total annual cost of your employer-sponsored health coverage. To determine your monthly COBRA premium, divide this annual amount by 12 and include any applicable administrative fees, which may be up to 2%.
Which is cheaper, COBRA or Obamacare?
Typically ACA insurance is more affordable than COBRA insurance because you can be eligible for federal ACA subsidies, depending on your income.
Do I get a new card with COBRA?
Because COBRA is continuation of prior coverage, the insurance companies generally do not issue new enrollment ID cards. Once your coverage is reinstated through COBRA, you will continue to use your existing ID card(s).
Do I keep old insurance cards?
In general, if you don't have any open claims, you don't need to keep old, expired insurance policies. However, if you have any open claims or have been involved in an incident that may result in a claim, keep all paperwork related to the incident and your policy until the claim is resolved.
Does COBRA use the same insurance?
COBRA has pros and cons, depending on your situation. It provides you with the same coverage you had under your employer. This means you can keep your health insurance plan even after you leave a job.
What is the 60 day rule for COBRA?
You have 60 days after being notified to sign up. If you are eligible for Federal COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your employer. If you are eligible for Cal-COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your health plan. If you miss the deadline, you may lose the chance to sign up for Federal COBRA or Cal-COBRA.
How long do you have to set up COBRA after leaving a job?
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.
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.