Why use Cobra insurance?

Asked by: Herminia Schiller  |  Last update: October 20, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)

COBRA continuation coverage will ensure you have health coverage until the coverage through your Marketplace plan begins. Through the Marketplace you can also learn if you qualify for free or low-cost coverage from Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Why would someone use cobra insurance?

Federal COBRA is a federal law that lets you keep your group health plan when your job ends or your hours are cut. Federal COBRA requires continuation coverage be offered to covered employees, their spouses, former spouses, and dependent children.

What are the benefits of COBRA?

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, ...

What is the purpose of a COBRA?

COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, lets qualified workers keep their group health insurance for a limited time after a change in eligibility.

How does COBRA work if I quit my job?

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. Contact your employer to learn about your COBRA options.

What Is COBRA for Health Insurance

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What are 3 facts about COBRA?

Cobras come in varying colors from black or dark brown to yellowish white. They have specialized muscles and ribs in the neck that can flare out when the cobra feels threatened. Cobras are able to raise their body up, spread the hood, and hiss loudly to scare off most threats.

What is not covered under COBRA?

COBRA also does not cover plans that provide only life insurance or disability benefits, as those benefits are not considered “medical care.”

How much does COBRA cost a month?

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

What does COBRA do to you?

Cobra venom generally contains neurotoxins active against the nervous system of prey—primarily small vertebrates and other snakes. Bites, particularly from larger species, can be fatal depending on the amount of venom injected.

What is the largest disadvantage of COBRA?

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 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.

Can I keep my insurance if I quit my job?

One of the first health insurance programs to take a look at when thinking about quitting your job is the Consolidated Budget Omnibus Reconciliation Act, or COBRA. COBRA allows you or your family to remain on the same plan that was provided to you by your employer, even after leaving your job.

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.

Who pays for COBRA after termination?

COBRA and Cal-COBRA

COBRA allows former employees, retirees, and their dependents to temporarily keep their health coverage. If you get COBRA, you must pay for the entire premium, including any portion that your employer may have paid in the past.

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.

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 ...

How do you figure out COBRA cost?

If you want to figure this out on your own, ask HR how much your employer is contributing toward your monthly coverage. Then, check your pay stub to see how much you're contributing. After adding these figures, add another 2% (for the service fee). This will show you exactly how much you'll expect to pay for COBRA.

Does COBRA coverage begin immediately?

Assuming one pays all required premiums, COBRA coverage starts on the date of the qualifying event, and the length of the period of COBRA coverage will depend on the type of qualifying event which caused the qualified beneficiary to lose group health plan coverage.

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.

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?

If there is coverage for your surgery on your previous employer's health plan, it will be covered under COBRA continuation.

What is cobra for dummies?

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a health insurance program that allows eligible employees and their dependents the continued benefits of health insurance coverage when an employee loses their job or experiences a reduction of work hours.

What is a cobra's weakness?

Weaknesses: Just like any organism, is subject to illness and aging etc. Also has weak points on it's body where weaker attacks can injure or kill it more easily. It is a calm and docile creature, only fighting when being absolutely bothered to its limits.

What does a cobra do to you?

Their venom is not the most potent among venomous snakes, but the amount of neurotoxin they can deliver in a single bite—up to two-tenths of a fluid ounce—is enough to kill 20 people, or even an elephant. King cobra venom affects the respiratory centers in the brain, causing respiratory arrest and cardiac failure.