How far back can you backdate a COBRA?
Asked by: Lucius Altenwerth | Last update: October 28, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (23 votes)
How far back can COBRA be retroactive?
COBRA is always retroactive to the day after your employer coverage ends. So, you'll need to pay your premiums for that period too.
What is the time limit for cobra insurance?
If you get COBRA, you must pay for the entire premium, including any portion that your employer may have paid in the past. This means your payment is often more expensive than what you paid as an employee. You can collect COBRA benefits for up to 18 months. This may be extended to 36 months under certain circumstances.
What happens if you miss the COBRA deadline?
Meet the Deadlines
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. Call the Help Center if you have any questions.
What is a COBRA loophole?
Understanding the 60-Day Loophole
You have a 60-day window following the end of your employer-sponsored plan to select COBRA coverage or choose a new plan in the individual ACA marketplace.
COBRA Insurance | What You Need to Know
What is the 60 day loophole 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 is the timeline for COBRA?
60 days: The COBRA-eligible participant(s) have 60 days to enroll in coverage. If the COBRA-eligible participant does not elect coverage within 60 days after the notification, they are no longer eligible to elect.
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.
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.
Can you extend COBRA past 18 months?
Consumers may also extend COBRA continuation coverage longer than the initial 18-month period with a second qualifying event—e.g., divorce or legal separation, death of the covered employee, Medicare entitlement of the covered employee (in certain circumstances), or loss of dependent child status —up to an additional ...
How much does COBRA typically cost per month?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
How to get COBRA for 36 months?
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 ...
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.
What is the time limit for COBRA?
Periods of Coverage
In most cases, COBRA coverage for the covered employee lasts a maximum of 18 months. However, the following exceptions apply: 29-Month Period (Disability Extension): Special rules apply for certain disabled individuals and family members.
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.
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.
Are there better options than COBRA?
Instead of enrolling in COBRA continuation coverage, there may be other more affordable coverage options for you and your family through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or other group health plan coverage (such as a spouse's plan) through what is called a “special enrollment period.” Some of these options ...
What are the cons of COBRA?
- It's expensive. Your premiums will probably go up since your employer isn't contributing. ...
- You're subject to your employer's plan offerings. You might lose COBRA coverage if the employer changes its plan or goes out of business.
What to do when a COBRA is too expensive?
If COBRA feels expensive, consider ACA plans or short-term health insurance. Marketplace plans during the open enrollment period or a special enrollment period can offer more budget-friendly options.
Can you get COBRA retroactively?
COBRA coverage is retroactive if elected and paid for by the qualified beneficiary.
How do I calculate COBRA costs?
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%.
Can I deduct COBRA premiums if unemployed?
Yes they are tax deductible as a medical expense.
Who sends out COBRA paperwork?
The HR office must provide the COBRA Election Notice and Election Form to qualified beneficiaries within 14 days from the date of the qualifying event or loss of coverage, or when the HR office is notified, whichever comes first.
Am I eligible for a COBRA if I quit?
Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After You Quit Your Job
To be eligible for COBRA, you need to have been a covered employee and must have had insurance coverage at the time of your employment termination.
Can you choose a different plan on COBRA?
You May Change COBRA Plans Only During An Open Enrollment
However, you can change your health plan during your previous employer's open enrollment period.