How long does COBRA insurance stay in effect?

Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) , continuation of health coverage starts from the date the covered employee’s health insurance ends and, depending on the type of qualifying event, may last for 18 months, 29 months or 36 months.

What happens if I cancel my COBRA insurance?

When you sign up for COBRA insurance always make a note of any special requirements your policy may have for cancellation as many times, you will have to notify your previous employer in writing. After your policy is canceled, you will receive a letter of termination and a certificate of credible coverage.

How often do you have to make Cobra payments?

Payments are due every 30 days after that. If you have a medical emergency during your 60-day enrollment period, you can get retroactive coverage. The coverage will be backdated to the date you lost your coverage, but you must enroll during the first 60 days.

Do you have to be disabled to be covered by Cobra?

Second, the covered employee must be determined under title II or title XVI of the Social Security Act to be disabled. Third, the individual must be disabled at some time during the first 60 days of COBRA continuation coverage, regardless of whether the disability started prior to or during that period.

What is the idea of COBRA health insurance?

The idea behind COBRA is that the employee will find a job, with health insurance, before the 18 months are up. This was more plausible in the halcyon days of earlier recessions. In the meantime, ex-employees pay the full premiums (assuming they survive the sticker shock).

What happens if you miss the Cobra due date?

Let’s say you’ve been on COBRA continuation health insurance for 6 months. Your health plan sets May 25 as the due date for your premium for coverage from June 1 through June 30. You miss the May 25 deadline. Your health insurance coverage is canceled on June 1st.

When do you become entitled to COBRA continuation?

If you become entitled to elect COBRA continuation coverage when you otherwise would lose group health coverage under a group health plan, you should consider all options you may have to get other health coverage before you make your decision.

What to do if you lose your Cobra plan?

When you lose job-based insurance, you may be offered COBRA continuation coverage by your former employer. If you’re losing job-based coverage and haven’t signed up for COBRA, learn about your rights and options under COBRA from the U.S. Department of Labor. If you decide not to take COBRA coverage, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan instead.

What happens to dental insurance if Cobra ends?

For example, if you have COBRA dental insurance, you may be allowed to keep paying a premium for the dental coverage for as long as you are entitled to COBRA. If a group plan no longer exists for any active employees, there is no longer an opportunity for you to maintain coverage through COBRA. This is where it gets a little dicey.