Is dropping COBRA a qualifying event?
Asked by: Prof. Liza Rice | Last update: January 12, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (66 votes)
Is dropping COBRA a qualifying life event?
No, stopping payment for COBRA coverage is not considered a qualifying event.
Which of the following is considered a qualifying event under COBRA?
The following are qualifying events: the death of the covered employee; a covered employee's termination of employment or reduction of the hours of employment; the covered employee becoming entitled to Medicare; divorce or legal separation from the covered employee; or a dependent child ceasing to be a dependent under ...
Can I drop my employer health insurance without a qualifying event?
you cannot drop your employer's insurance without a qualifying event, and securing a marketplace plan is not a qualifying event.
Can I cancel COBRA coverage at any time?
Yes, you can cancel COBRA coverage at any time. However, be aware that cancellation does not trigger a special enrollment period for new health insurance.
COBRA Qualifying Events
What happens if I decline COBRA?
You must decide to accept or reject COBRA coverage during a certain time period (usually 60 days after your employer notifies you). You must pay your monthly premiums or you can lose your coverage. Once you have used up all your COBRA benefits, you may be able to get an extension of coverage under Cal-COBRA.
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 examples of a qualifying event?
- Gaining a dependent or becoming a dependent through birth or adoption.
- Getting married.
- Applicant or dependent lost minimum essential coverage due to termination or change in employment status.
- Cessation of an employer's contribution toward an employee or dependents coverage.
Can I cancel my employer health insurance at any time?
You generally can't cancel your policy anytime if you have group health insurance through your employer. To cancel your employer's healthcare plan outside your company's open enrollment period, you must experience a QLE. This will trigger a SEP. If you have COBRA, you can cancel at any time.
Can I sue my employer for Cancelling my health insurance?
If the company does not have a valid reason, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. To sue someone under ERISA you must take administrative steps first, such as filing a complaint with the federal Department of Labor. If you exhaust that process without getting justice, then you can turn to the courts.
What is not a COBRA qualifying event?
Coverage provided under the FMLA is not COBRA coverage, and taking FMLA leave is not a qualifying event under COBRA.
Is resigning a qualifying event for COBRA?
Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After You Quit Your Job
COBRA allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18 months if your coverage ends due to job loss, quitting or termination.
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.
Can I switch from COBRA to private insurance?
You can only drop COBRA and sign up for a Marketplace plan and premium tax credits during Open Enrollment. You will have to drop your COBRA coverage effective on the date your new Marketplace plan coverage begins.
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 ...
Does quitting your job count as a qualifying event?
Is losing or getting a new job a qualifying life event? Yes, if you lose your employer-sponsored health care, you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. There's no distinction between leaving your place of employment willingly, like in the case of resignation, or unwillingly, like with a layoff or firing.
Do you need a qualifying event to cancel health insurance?
Be assured that you can cancel your individual health insurance plan without a qualifying life event at any time. Yet, essentially remember that once you cancel your policy, you cannot enroll again until the next open enrollment period.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare?
Once you retire or lose your employer coverage, you can enroll in Medicare Part B during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) without facing late enrollment penalties. This SEP typically lasts for eight months after your employment or coverage ends.
Can I still use my health insurance if I quit my job?
You can keep your job-based coverage for up to 18 months with a COBRA plan. Or you can buy an individual plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If you have previously paid into a Health Savings Account (HSA), the funds are still available to you even if you've left your job.
Is losing cobra subsidy a qualifying event?
If you've previously had health insurance but lost it, that event will fall into this category. Here are some examples of events that qualify as a loss of health insurance: Losing employer-sponsored coverage. Losing COBRA coverage.
What is not a qualifying life event?
Is Changing Jobs a Qualifying Life Event? No, changing jobs within an organization is not a qualifying life event. Your employer-based coverage will remain the same until you have the opportunity to make changes during the open enrollment period.
Can you cancel insurance at any time?
Policyholders can cancel their auto insurance policy at any time, for any reason. And you never have to wait until the end of your policy period to cancel your policy. Even if your policy only started a few days ago, you may cancel it.
Can I decline COBRA?
Decide not to participate in COBRA and apply for special enrollment through Covered California. Because you will be newly uninsured, you will qualify for special enrollment in a Covered California health insurance plan outside of the annual open-enrollment period.
How to cancel cobra insurance?
- Terminate coverage on your online account. For instructions, see How to terminate coverage in your COBRA online account.
- Submit a completed COBRA Benefits Termination Form.
- Do not remit the premium payment for the month you no longer want coverage.
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.