What is the largest disadvantage of COBRA?

Asked by: Mrs. Nicolette Monahan  |  Last update: June 12, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (26 votes)

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.

What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?

COBRA cons
  • 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 COBRA ever 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.

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.

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.

Why is COBRA So Expensive?

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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.

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.

How much does COBRA cost a month?

The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.

What is stronger than COBRA?

The anaconda is much larger and stronger, using its powerful body to wrap around and crush its prey. While the cobra's venom is deadly, it would take time to affect the anaconda, and the snake could still overpower the cobra before the venom kicks in.

Can I negotiate COBRA premiums?

Your employer may subsidize COBRA, either pursuant to a company-wide plan or an individual severance agreement that you negotiate.

Is it better to get COBRA or obamacare?

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.

Who is not eligible for COBRA?

Indemnity policies, PPOs, HMOs, and self-insured plans are all eligible for COBRA extension; however, federal government employee plans and church plans are exempt from COBRA. Individual health insurance is also exempt from COBRA extension.

Is COBRA overpriced?

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.

Does COBRA affect your taxes?

There isn't necessarily a “COBRA Tax Deduction”. You can only deduct the amount of COBRA medical expenses on your federal income tax in excess of 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income and then only if you itemize deductions.

What percentage of people take COBRA?

Roughly 15 percent of UI beneficiaries received health insurance coverage via COBRA. Taking into account the main eligibility requirements for the ARRA subsidy, we estimate that between a quarter and a third of eligible unemployed workers enrolled in subsidized COBRA for continuing health insurance.

Can you decline COBRA coverage?

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 beats a cobra?

Mongooses are known for their agility, speed and resistance to venom, which make them formidable opponents against cobras. They have specialized acetylcholine receptors that make them less sensitive to cobra venom, allowing them to survive bites that would be lethal to other animals.

Are pythons harmful to humans?

Burmese Pythons may bite to defend themselves. Small individuals are not generally dangerous to people or pets. However, larger Burmese Pythons have large, sharp teeth, and their bites can cause severe lacerations. Large animals are also fully capable of eating dogs and cats.

What is the 2 step snake?

Based on many LD50 studies, the Many-Banded Krait is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Many veterans refer to this snake as a “two-step” or “three-step” snake because, in his words, after you are bit, “you take three steps and it kills you.”

Are there alternatives to COBRA?

Instead of enrolling in COBRA continuation coverage, there may be other more affordable coverage options for you and your family through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or other group health plan coverage (such as a spouse's plan) through what is called a “special enrollment period.” Some of these options ...

Who pays for COBRA after termination?

(California passed a similar law known as “Cal-COBRA.”) Under COBRA, the group plan health insurance plan made available to terminated workers provides the exact same benefits as they would receive if they were still a member of the group, except that the employees have to pay the employer's cost of providing the ...

Can employers deny COBRA?

If the former employee is considered an eligible plan participant, then he or she would be a qualified beneficiary and entitled to COBRA coverage unless the second exception (denial based on gross misconduct) is applied. Under COBRA, a person who has been terminated for gross misconduct may be denied COBRA.

Does COBRA cover surgery?

“Medical care” includes: Inpatient and outpatient hospital care, • Physician care, • Surgery and other major medical benefits, • Prescription drugs, and • Dental and vision care. COBRA requires most of these plans to provide a temporary continuation of health coverage that would otherwise end due to certain events.

What is the 14 day rule for COBRA?

14-Day Notice Period

The HR office must provide the COBRA Election Notice and Election Form to qualified beneficiaries within 14 days from the date of the qualifying event or loss of coverage, or when the HR office is notified, whichever comes first.