Does COBRA cover loss of dependent status?
Asked by: Bartholome Schmitt | Last update: October 3, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (50 votes)
How long is COBRA for loss of dependent status?
In that case, COBRA lasts for eighteen months. If the qualifying event is the death of the covered employee, divorce or legal separation of the covered employee from the covered employee's spouse, or the covered employee becoming entitled to Medicare, COBRA for the spouse or dependent child lasts for 36 months.
Does COBRA insurance cover dependents?
Federal COBRA requires continuation coverage be offered to covered employees, their spouses, former spouses, and dependent children.
What is not covered under COBRA?
COBRA also does not cover plans that provide only life insurance or disability benefits, as those benefits are not considered “medical care.”
What is dependent loses coverage?
Usually, the loss of dependent child status is based on the child reaching a specific age. Generally, after reaching this age the child is no longer entitled to the plan coverage that the child had while considered to be a dependent.
Maintaining Coverage: Cobra
What happens if I turn 26 while on COBRA?
Turning 26 initiates a special enrollment period, requiring you to find new coverage. Options include COBRA continuation, short-term insurance, marketplace plans, or employer-sponsored plans.
At what age do dependents lose insurance coverage?
If you're covered by a parent's job-based plan, your coverage usually ends when you turn 26. But check with the employer or plan. Some states and plans have different rules. If you're on a parent's Marketplace plan, you can remain covered through December 31 of the year you turn 26 (or the age permitted in your state).
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 the 7 COBRA qualifying events?
The seven COBRA qualifying events that allow individuals to maintain their employer-sponsored health insurance include termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct, reduction in the number of work hours, divorce or legal separation from the covered employee, the covered employee becoming entitled ...
What plans are covered by COBRA?
Employer-maintained prescription drug plans, health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) and cancer (disease-specific) policies that provide medical care are generally considered group health plans subject to COBRA. Wellness programs are also covered if they provide relief for medical or health issues.
What is the loss of dependent child status?
Loss of Dependent Child Status
Group health plans that provide dependent coverage generally cover dependent children only to a certain age. Under the Affordable Care Act, young adults can continue coverage on their parents' health care plan until age 26, regardless of marital, financial or residential status.
Is dependent care COBRA eligible?
COBRA premiums are not eligible with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). What is COBRA insurance?
How does COBRA work for dependents?
Dependents. Dependents may enroll in COBRA for up to 36 months if: The dependent child marries or reaches age 26. The covered member dies (eligibility applies whether the member was working or retired at the time of death).
When should I stop claiming my child as a dependent for health insurance?
The Affordable Care Act requires plans and issuers that offer dependent child coverage to make the coverage available until a child reaches the age of 26. Both married and unmarried children qualify for this coverage. This rule applies to all plans in the individual market and to all employer plans.
How much does COBRA cost per month?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
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.
Why is COBRA so expensive?
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 to get 36 months of COBRA coverage?
Second Qualifying Event - If you are receiving an 18-month maximum period of continuation coverage, you may become entitled to an 18-month extension (giving a total maximum period of 36 months of continuation coverage) if you experience a second qualifying event that is the death of a covered employee, the divorce or ...
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.
How long after termination can you apply for COBRA?
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 if I elect COBRA but don't pay?
There is no grace period if you're late paying your initial COBRA premium payment. 3 If it isn't paid on time (ie, within 45 days of electing COBRA), you lose your right to have COBRA coverage; you'll have to find other health insurance options or you'll be uninsured.
Do I get kicked off my parents insurance the day I turn 26?
Until your 26th birthday, you are eligible for coverage under an enrolled parent's health insurance plan, even if you are married, not in school, or not living with them. But once you turn 26, you age out and aren't eligible for their plan anymore.
Does cobra coverage begin immediately?
COBRA is always retroactive to the day after your employer coverage ends. So, you'll need to pay your premiums for that period too.
How long can a child be a dependent?
To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you or your spouse if filing jointly and either younger than 19 years old or be a "student" younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar year.