Is there a penalty for Cobra and Medicare Part B?
Asked by: Ms. Odessa DuBuque | Last update: July 23, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (32 votes)
Can you have COBRA and Medicare Part B at the same time?
If you sign up for COBRA and you are eligible for Medicare at the same time, your COBRA benefits are intended to be paid after Medicare pays, even if you haven't actually signed up for Medicare. And when you do sign up for Medicare later you could be subject to premium penalties for late enrollment.
Can Medicare Part B penalty be waived?
The penalty for delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B is an increased premium. Penalty can potentially be waived if delay was due to bad advice from the federal government. To file an appeal, you'll need to provide details about the bad advice – including when you received it.
What is the gap between COBRA and Medicare?
If you have COBRA before signing up for Medicare, your COBRA will probably end once you sign up. You have up to 8 months after you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) to sign up for Part B without a penalty, whether or not you choose COBRA.
Can you have both Medicaid and COBRA?
However, individuals eligible for this group may also meet the separate requirements for another Medicaid eligibility group. In such cases, the individual is eligible for both groups, and therefore eligible for payment of COBRA premiums and any other state plan services available under the non-COBRA group.
Avoid the Medicare Part B Penalty! Stopped Working but Have 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.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.
Can I defer Medicare if I have COBRA?
If you keep COBRA drug coverage and it is creditable, you may delay enrolling into Medicare Part D drug plan until your COBRA ends. You will not have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty, as long as you enroll within 63 days of losing your drug coverage.
Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?
Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).
Does COBRA terminate Medicare?
Your COBRA coverage may be terminated if: You become eligible for Medicare. You reach the maximum coverage limit. You do not pay your COBRA premiums on time.
How do I defer Medicare Part B without penalty?
You may defer Medicare Part B enrollment because you are still working. Contact the SSA at (800) 772-1213 to defer. This will ensure that you avoid a late enrollment penalty when you decide to retire and enroll in Medicare Part B upon retirement.
How do I avoid paying Medicare Part B?
You may refuse Part B without penalty if you have creditable coverage, but you have to do it before your coverage start date. Follow the directions on the back of your Medicare card if you want to refuse Part B.
What is the Part B penalty for 2024?
Part B late enrollment penalty
You'll pay an extra 10% for each year you could have signed up for Part B, but didn't. You may also pay a higher premium depending on your income.
Can my wife get COBRA if I go on Medicare?
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.
How long can I stay on COBRA?
While COBRA is temporary, in most circumstances, you can stay on COBRA for 18 to 36 months.
Can I have Medigap and COBRA?
You have the right to purchase certain Medigap plans when your employer-sponsored retiree plan (including COBRA coverage) that is supplementing Medicare involuntarily terminates.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
Is Medicare Part B mandatory?
Part B is optional. Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem.
Can Good Times granny have employer-based insurance and Medicare at the same time?
Expert-Verified Answer
Good Times Granny can have both employer-based insurance and Medicare at the same time, which is referred to as dual coverage. In this arrangement, the employer insurance typically acts as the primary payer, with Medicare covering the remaining costs.
How does COBRA work with Medicare Part B?
If you have Medicare Part A or Part B when you become eligible for COBRA, you must be allowed to enroll in COBRA. Medicare is your primary insurance, and COBRA is secondary. You should keep Medicare because it is responsible for paying the majority of your health care costs.
Is there a late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B?
For each 12-month period you delay enrollment in Medicare Part B, you will have to pay a 10% Part B premium penalty, unless you have insurance based on your or your spouse's current work (job-based insurance) or are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP).
Can I have COBRA and Medicaid at the same time?
For many people, COBRA, the insurance you can buy into when you lose your job, is too expensive. And even if you decide to enroll in COBRA, it doesn't mean you can't apply for Medicaid. You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid any time.
Is it better to be on Medicare or Medicaid?
While Medicare is the primary payer for medical needs, Medicaid can cover costs that Medicare coverage does not. When you visit a provider that takes both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first for the cost of your care. Medicaid pays second, covering copays and other costs not covered.
What is the best health insurance for seniors over 70?
Medicare is the best health insurance for retirees and seniors. You can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or private, bundled coverage, called Medicare Advantage.