Is loss of COBRA coverage a qualifying event?

Asked by: Daron Reichert DDS  |  Last update: February 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (6 votes)

Yes, the end of COBRA coverage is considered a qualifying life event, as is the loss of job-based coverage. Typically, individuals can remain on COBRA for about 18 to 36 months before their coverage ends, triggering a SEP. However, it's important to note: This QLE only applies to planned COBRA end dates.

Is losing COBRA insurance a qualifying event?

However, you won't qualify if you decide to end COBRA early and are paying the full benefit cost yourself. You also don't qualify if you lose your COBRA coverage because you didn't pay your premiums. Remember, you don't need a special enrollment period if you voluntarily end COBRA during open enrollment.

What is the qualifying event for COBRA death?

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.

Which of the following is not a qualifying event for COBRA?

Coverage provided under the FMLA is not COBRA coverage, and taking FMLA leave is not a qualifying event under COBRA.

What is loss of qualifying coverage?

Loss of coverage events may include: Losing your job and employer-sponsored insurance. Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Turning 26 and losing coverage from your parent's health plan.

COBRA Qualifying Events

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What are examples of a qualifying event?

Qualifying life event (QLE)
  • Getting married or divorced.
  • Having a baby or adopting a child.
  • Death in the family.

What does loss of use coverage include?

If you were forced to move out of your house or even a rental property due to damage caused by a fire, for instance, loss of use insurance would help to cover costs such as your hotel stay, rental or a temporary apartment or restaurant bills while your residence is being repaired or rebuilt.

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 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.

Do you qualify for COBRA if you 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.

What are the second qualifying events for COBRA?

If during the 18 months of continuation coverage, a second event takes place (divorce, termination of domestic partnership, legal separation, death, or a dependent child ceases to be a dependent), then the original 18 months of continuation coverage can be extended to 36 months from the original date of loss of ...

How do you determine COBRA eligibility?

COBRA eligibility has three basic requirements that must be met for you to get a continuation of coverage: Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA. A qualifying event must occur. You must be a qualified beneficiary for that event.

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.

Is COBRA coverage available after job loss?

You may be able to keep your job-based health plan through COBRA continuation coverage. 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.

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.

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 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.

Who does not qualify 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.

How long am I covered on health insurance after leaving a job?

The COBRA coverage lasts for 18 to 36 months—the exact amount of time varies depending on specific circumstances and the state you live in. According to the Department of Labor, you have 60 days to enroll in COBRA once your employer-sponsored health insurance ends.

What is not a COBRA qualifying event?

A loss of coverage caused by an event not listed as a triggering event will not result in a right to continuation coverage under COBRA. This includes events such as a change in plan eligibility rules, failure to pay plan premiums, or an employee's decision to voluntarily drop coverage.

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.

Is dropping COBRA a qualifying life event?

No, stopping payment for COBRA coverage is not considered a qualifying event.

Is loss of use coverage worth it?

Fair rental value

You and your family might not be the only ones affected by damage to your home. If you rent out part of your space, your tenant might also have to move out during repairs, which could mean less rental income for you. Loss of use coverage can help you recoup that amount.

What is a loss of coverage?

If you were enrolled in an employer-sponsored plan and left or lost your job, you probably lost coverage. If you qualified for Medi-Cal based on your income and now earn more, you may have lost coverage. If you were on COBRA coverage and it expired, you've lost coverage.

What is loss coverage?

Loss assessment coverage can help prevent a condo owner from paying out of pocket if their condo association issues a special assessment for expenses related to an insurance claim outside the walls of their unit.