Is COBRA the same as my insurance?

Asked by: Orval King  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (7 votes)

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.

Does COBRA cost the same as my insurance?

Your monthly COBRA premiums (or payments) will equal the total cost of the premium under your employer-sponsored health insurance, plus a 2% administration charge. ... In 2020, the average annual premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance was $7,470 for individual coverage and $21,342 for family coverage.

Is COBRA a continuation of your current insurance?

Continuation coverage allows someone who recently lost their employer-based health coverage to continue their current insurance policy as long as they pay the full monthly premiums. Continuation coverage falls into four categories: COBRA, Cal-COBRA, Conversion, and HIPAA.

How do I know if I have COBRA coverage?

If you need those benefits, 877-262-7241 call COBRAInsurance.com for enrollment details.

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.

Everything you need to know about COBRA

26 related questions found

Is it better to use COBRA or Obamacare?

So which one is better? Typically ACA insurance is more affordable than COBRA insurance because you can be eligible for federal ACA subsidies, depending on your income. COBRA costs an average of $599 per month.

Is COBRA cheaper than individual insurance?

Is COBRA cheaper than individual insurance? COBRA health insurance is usually more expensive than individual insurance, especially if you qualify for ACA plan subsidies. ACA subsidies reduce the cost of ACA plans. The subsidies are only eligible for ACA plans.

How do I find out how much COBRA will cost me?

Sample Calculation
  1. Your contribution: $125 per paycheck X 2 = $250 per month.
  2. Your employer's contribution: $400 per month.
  3. Total contribution: $250 + $400 = $650 per month.
  4. Service charge: $650 x 2% (or 0.02) = $13 per month.
  5. COBRA premium: $650 + $13 = $663 per month.

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

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.

How does Cobra insurance work if I retire at 62?

Retirees can use COBRA Insurance For 18 Months

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.

Does COBRA include prescription coverage?

Yes, COBRA Covers Pharmacy Prescriptions, If You Had That Coverage Previously. ... The COBRA law allows you and your dependents to continue on the exact same coverage that you had with the employer's group health plan. Nothing changes in regards to your medication.

Can I cancel COBRA mid month?

You can cancel the COBRA coverage at any time within 18 months. ... You will likely want to drop COBRA once you become eligible for a different health plan, such as if you get another job. If you stop paying premiums, COBRA coverage will end automatically. Make sure to pay your premiums promptly.

Do deductibles start over when you go on COBRA?

Your Insurance Deductible Will Rollover When COBRA Insurance Is Elected. ... Because it is the same insurance policy, if you've met your deductible already, you will not have rollback to $0 out-of-pocket after you've started COBRA. You will need to make timely premium payments or your insurance may be cancelled.

How much is COBRA monthly?

On Average, The Monthly COBRA Premium Cost Is $400 – 700 Per Person. Continuing on an employer's major medical health plan with COBRA is expensive. You are now responsible for the entire insurance premium, whereas your previous employer subsidized a portion of that as a work benefit.

Can I drop COBRA and get Obamacare?

Losing or canceling your COBRA doesn't disqualify you from getting an ACA subsidy, but it may impact your eligibility to enroll in an individual market plan.

How can I avoid paying COBRA?

If you want to avoid paying the COBRA cost, go with a short-term plan if you're waiting for approval on another health plan. Choose a Marketplace or independent plan for broader coverage. Choose a high-deductible plan to keep your costs low.

How Long Does my employer have to offer me COBRA?

If you are entitled to elect COBRA coverage, you must be given an election period of at least 60 days (starting on the later of the date you are furnished the election notice or the date you would lose coverage) to choose whether or not to elect continuation coverage.

Are COBRA payments tax deductible?

Premiums for COBRA insurance are tax deductible, as they are paid entirely by you on an after-tax basis. If you buy medical coverage through an insurance marketplace, then premiums would be tax deductible as a medical expense.

Is COBRA 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. ... The first COBRA premium is due 45 days after the initial election is made.

How do I get Cobra insurance after termination?

After learning of a qualifying event, the administrator must send out an election notice, informing beneficiaries that they have a right to choose COBRA coverage. Beneficiaries then have 60 days to inform the administrator whether or not they want to continue insurance coverage through COBRA.

How much is Obama care per month?

The cost of Obamacare can vary greatly depending on the type of plan you are looking for and what state you currently live in. On average, an Obamacare marketplace insurance plan will have a monthly premium of $328 to $482.

What benefits does COBRA cover?

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, ...

Can I apply for COBRA If I quit my job?

Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After Quitting Your Job

According to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), companies with 20 or more employees are required to allow workers to keep their health insurance coverage, if that coverage would end due to a qualifying event.

Can you cancel COBRA at any time?

You May Cancel COBRA At Any Time

To cancel your your COBRA coverage you will need to notify your previous employer or the plan administrator in writing. After you stop your COBRA insurance, your former employer should send you a letter affirming termination of that health insurance.