If you’re on COBRA through you or your spouse’s current or previous employer and are eligible for Medicare, you probably have questions about the future of your coverage. We’re here to explain how these coverages work together and answer the most frequently asked questions about this topic.
Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps
We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today
Medicare and COBRA
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) helps employees extend health care benefits at least 18 months after they cease to be eligible. Qualifying events for COBRA include termination of employment or reduction in working hours.
It is possible to have COBRA and Medicare coverage at the same time. However, it can become confusing if you do not have accurate information.
Medicare and COBRA do not coordinate the same as employer coverage and Medicare. When you have COBRA, Medicare usually pays first, and COBRA pays second.
However, your group insurance may have special rules determining the primary payer. Refer to your COBRA plan document for details regarding your plan.
If a COBRA beneficiary becomes entitled to Medicare during their COBRA continuation period, coverage is terminated unless otherwise stated by their policy details.
If your coverage ends and your spouse or children are covered under the plan, their coverage will generally continue until the 18th month. It is important to know the terms of your COBRA policy to know if your plan will continue once eligible for Medicare.
If you decide to enroll in Part B while you are working and keep your group coverage, you can have Medicare and COBRA at the same time when you retire.
Does COBRA Count as Creditable Coverage for Medicare?
To avoid penalties with Medicare, you must have creditable coverage. This means coverage that’s at least equivalent to Medicare. COBRA does NOT meet these standards.
Find Medicare Plans in 3 Easy Steps
We can help find the right Medicare plans for you today
If you’re Medicare-eligible and have COBRA, you should enroll in Part B. Delaying your Part B while on COBRA could result in penalties.
Because COBRA only extends group benefits for up to 18 months, it’s rare for it to be a Medicare-eligible person’s best option for health care coverage. Often, Medicare will offer more benefits at a lower cost.
Do I Need Medicare Part B if I Have COBRA?
If you’re working past 65 and retire later, you MUST enroll in Part B within the first eight months you have COBRA even if your COBRA stays active longer than eight months. This is because COBRA is not credible coverage for Part B.
Those who miss this timeframe will incur a Part B late penalty. If you’re on COBRA and under 65, you must enroll in Part A and Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Your Initial Enrollment Period will begin three months before your 65th birthday. Yet, you will incur penalties if you don’t enroll during the seven-month window.
Can You Get COBRA if You Retire Early?
We recommend looking into alternative health care options before choosing COBRA. Often, Marketplace plans are more cost-efficient than COBRA if a beneficiary is under 65.
FAQs
How to Get Help with Medicare and COBRA
We know Medicare is a beast constantly unleashing new information. Luckily, you don't have to face this confusion alone. Our team of Medicare experts is ready to answer any additional questions you have. Give us a call at the number above to get your quote today, or fill out an online rate form to shop policies available in your area.
Enter ZIP Code
Enter your ZIP code to pull plan options available in your area.
Compare Plans
Select which Medicare plans you would like to compare in your area.
Get Quote
Compare rates side by side with plans & carriers available in your area.
My husband and I are retiring in June and going on Medicare. My 21 year old son is still in college and his school does not offer medical insurance for a fee. What are our options. Thank you
Hi Donna! I would look into Obamacare for him. Medicare eligibility is for individuals, they don’t offer family plans.