How long can you have a COBRA?

Asked by: Bernie Moen  |  Last update: May 7, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (61 votes)

While COBRA is temporary, in most circumstances, you can stay on COBRA for 18 to 36 months.

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 ...

How long do you have if bitten by COBRA?

In this case, the victim usually dies within 30 minutes. The only way to save the life of a victim of a cobra bite is to inject the appropriate antivenom shortly after the patient has been bitten or put him on an artificial respirator.

What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?

COBRA cons
  • COBRA can be expensive, especially compared to the premiums you were paying before your qualifying event. ...
  • COBRA does not apply to all employer-sponsored health plans—in particular, those organizations with fewer than 20 employees may have no requirements. ...
  • Even if you get an extension, COBRA is only temporary.

Can I keep COBRA when I get a new job?

Yes. The coverage election remains with the employee (you), so you can stay on COBRA for the allotted time (18mos + qualifying extensions) regardless of whether a new employer offers health benefits or not.

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19 related questions found

How long does a COBRA last after quitting a job?

COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You usually pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee.

What is the 60 day loophole for cobras?

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.

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 largest disadvantage of COBRA?

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.

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.”

Why is snakebite illegal?

Pubs are not allowed to serve half pints of snakebite, because this would mean serving incomplete measures of both cider and lager (draught products may only legally be sold in third, half, or full pint measures) but they are perfectly at liberty to serve a half of cider and a half of lager in a pint glass.

What is the difference between a monocled cobra and a King Cobra?

The easiest way to identify a King Cobra is the much larger head. Another easy way is that any cobra over 2.5 meters – is a king cobra. Monocled cobras are dark colored – grey, black, or brown and have no discernable pattern except the monocle (eye) shape on the back of the neck.

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%.

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.

Can I get COBRA if I quit?

Whether you quit, get fired or are laid off, you may be able to choose your former employer's health plan under a federal law called COBRA. That stands for Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act. It's available if: You were enrolled in an employer-sponsored medical, dental or vision plan.

Is COBRA worth getting?

But ultimately, it depends on your situation. If you're not eligible for government subsidies and the costs of COBRA and ACA are similar, or if you've used up the deductible on your employer insurance before you leave your job, it might make sense for you to do a COBRA plan.

Which is cheaper, COBRA or Obamacare?

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.

How long can I stay on COBRA?

You can collect COBRA benefits for up to 18 months. This may be extended to 36 months under certain circumstances. If your employer has 20 or more employees, it must follow COBRA rules.

Are there alternatives to 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 ...

Who is not eligible for COBRA?

Why would an employee not qualify to enroll in Cal-COBRA? The employee is enrolled in or eligible for Medicare. The employee does not enroll within 60 days of receiving the notice of eligibility from the employer. The employee is covered by another health plan.

Does insurance end the day you quit?

When you leave or are let go from a job, your health insurance either expires on your last day of work or at the end of the month of your exit, says Andy Gillin, attorney and managing partner at GJEL Accident Attorneys. For example, if you quit on July 15th, your coverage usually continues until July 31st.

Can I get a COBRA if I retire?

Retirees can take advantage of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), a federal law that allows individuals and their families to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance coverage for a limited period after employment ends.