COBRA Health Insurance

COBRA health insurance costs the entire monthly premium of your selected plan, plus up to 2% in additional administration fees.

Yes. Many people opt for purchasing their own health coverage through a private health insurance company rather than applying for COBRA. Individual plans can be much more affordable than staying on an employer plan. Selecting your own plan also gives you more choices about the type of coverage you're getting. Enter your zip code in the box above to browse individual and family insurance plans available in your area.

COBRA allows you to keep your health insurance if you lose your job. Apply for coverage within 60 days of job loss to qualify for coverage.

Under COBRA, individuals can extend the coverage they had from their employer for up to 18 months (this can be longer in some states). However, the plan is no longer sponsored by your employer, so you are responsible for paying the entire monthly premium for the duration of your extended coverage.

COBRA benefits also apply to your spouse or dependents that were covered by your employer-sponsored plan.

You may qualify for COBRA if you experience a qualifying event that causes you to lose your employer sponsored health insurance. Some qualifying events include:

• Quitting
• Getting fired, unless it was for gross misconduct
• Having your hours reduced which made you ineligible for benefits

Dependents can qualify for COBRA too. Some qualifying events that would allow dependents to qualify for COBRA include:

• The death of a covered employee
• Losing dependent status as an adult child (turning 26)
• Divorce or legal separation
• A covered employee becoming eligible for Medicare

COBRA coverage typically lasts for up to 18 months from the day your employment ended. In some states, this is extended to 36 months.