What is a qualifying event while on COBRA?
Asked by: Gerson Stark | Last update: July 11, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes)
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.
Is going off COBRA a qualifying event?
Is your COBRA coverage about to expire? After months of not worrying about health insurance, do you know what to do next? Here's the good news: Rolling off of COBRA coverage is a qualifying event that opens a special enrollment period for you to purchase your own health coverage.
What is the 60 days COBRA loophole?
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.
What are the rules for COBRA coverage?
- Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA.
- A qualifying event must occur.
- You must be a qualified beneficiary for that event.
COBRA Qualifying Events
Can an employer deny COBRA coverage?
Gross misconduct provides a basis for denying COBRA coverage to the employee and to the employee's dependents.
Will COBRA cover me retroactively?
COBRA coverage is retroactive if elected and paid for by the qualified beneficiary.
What is the 18 month rule for COBRA?
When Federal COBRA ends, eligible employees can buy 18 months additional health coverage under Cal-COBRA. All qualified beneficiaries are generally eligible for continuation coverage for 36 months after the date the qualified beneficiary's benefits would otherwise have terminated.
Is COBRA coverage worth it?
“If you're close to meeting your deductible on your current insurance plan and you have high health care costs, it may be worth it to temporarily stay on your COBRA plan,” explains Donovan. The same holds true if you're far into your employer plan's year and have already met your deductible.
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.
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.
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 ...
Can I switch from COBRA to marketplace?
From January 16-October 31: You can switch from COBRA to a Marketplace plan if: Your COBRA coverage is running out. You have to pay the full cost of COBRA coverage because your former employer stops contributing, or you lose a government subsidy (like COBRA premium assistance).
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 ...
Is resignation 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.
Is FMLA a COBRA qualifying event?
Group health coverage that is provided under the FMLA during a family or medical leave is not COBRA continuation coverage, and taking FMLA leave is not a qualifying event under COBRA.
What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?
- 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.
Is there a better option than COBRA?
Marketplace insurance, available through the Affordable Care Act, often offers more affordable premiums than COBRA. The cost difference can vary based on the chosen plan, location, and income, as subsidies may reduce premiums for marketplace plans.
Does COBRA kick in immediately?
An employee eligible for COBRA insurance must opt for it within 60 days of their employer-sponsored insurance termination date. The coverage starts the day the previous coverage ends.
Is COBRA cheaper than marketplace?
Both COBRA and ACA Marketplace plans have their advantages. 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.
What is the COBRA loophole for 60 days?
What is the COBRA Loophole 60 Days? The Cobra Loophole 60 Days allows you to defer your decision about COBRA insurance until the very last day of the 60-day period. This gives you a window of time where you don't need to pay any premiums, yet you're still covered if an emergency occurs.
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.
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.
Which of the following would be a qualifying event as it relates to COBRA?
COBRA coverage follows a "qualifying event". An example of a qualifying event would be if your hours were reduced or you lost your job (as long as there was no gross misconduct).
How long can you stay on COBRA after leaving a job?
You can stay on COBRA for 18 or 36 Months
However, dependents on the plan, such as a spouse or children, can be eligible for up to 36 months of coverage under certain circumstances, like divorce or the death of the covered employee.