COBRA Questions and Answers

GENERAL TOPICS

What is COBRA health coverage? What is COBRA alternative coverage?

What is mini-COBRA? How does mini-COBRA differ from COBRA alternatives?

What does COBRA do? What does COBRA alternative coverage do?

What is gap insurance?

What if I need long term coverage?

ELIGIBILITY

Who is entitled to COBRA coverage? Who is entitled to COBRA alternative coverage?

What is the definition of "involuntary termination" for COBRA?

Are employees of small businesses eligible for COBRA?

Eligibility for state mini-COBRA

How does a person become eligible for COBRA coverage and COBRA alternative coverage? 

Am I eligible for COBRA if my company closed or went bankrupt and there is no health plan? What about COBRA alternative coverage?

What group health plans are subject to COBRA? What plans are not subject to COBRA?

Is a divorced spouse entitled to COBRA coverage from their former spouses’ group health plan? How is COBRA alternative coverage handled in a divorce situation?

Can a covered spouse receive COBRA subsidy after layoff?

Can federal employees receive benefits under COBRA?

Can I receive COBRA benefits while on family medical leave?

Are domestic partners eligible for COBRA coverage and the premium subsidy?

If I waive COBRA coverage during the election period, can I still get coverage at a later date?

ENROLLMENT

How do I enroll in COBRA coverage? How do I enroll in COBRA alternative coverage?

What am I required to do in order to obtain COBRA coverage? What about COBRA alternative coverage?

Am I required to enroll?

Are all family members required to enroll in COBRA and COBRA alternative coverage?

How long after a qualifying event am I required to enroll in COBRA? What about COBRA alternative coverage?

BENEFITS

Can COBRA be extended beyond 18 months? What about COBRA alternatives?

Under COBRA, what benefits must be covered? What benefits must be covered in COBRA alternative coverage?

When does COBRA coverage begin? When does COBRA alternative coverage begin?

How long does COBRA coverage last? How long does COBRA alternative coverage last?

How does Medicare affect COBRA and COBRA alternatives?

PREMIUM PAYMENTS

Who pays for COBRA or the alternative coverage?

How much does COBRA and alternative coverage cost?

How do I know if know if I am eligible for a COBRA premium reduction? Are COBRA alternatives eligible for a premium reduction?

Where can I get more information on the COBRA premium subsidy?

Can I get a refund of COBRA premiums paid prior to the premium reduction law enactment? Can COBRA alternative premiums be refunded if I switch to COBRA?

Can an IRA be used to pay COBRA premiums?

CLAIMS AND ASSISTANCE

How do I file a claim for benefits in a COBRA or COBRA alternative plan?

Who can I call with problems about COBRA or support on COBRA alternatives?

Have a COBRA or COBRA alternative question?
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COBRA or COBRA alterative gap insurance coverage provides temporary protection when changing jobs, going through a divorce or negotiating other life transitions. Choosing the right health insurance is crucial to guarantee health and financial security.

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