COBRA Coverage: Keeping Insurance After Leaving a Job

COBRA allows you to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance for up to 18-36 months after leaving a job, though you pay the full premium plus a 2% administrative fee. While expensive, COBRA maintains your existing coverage and network, which can be critical if you are mid-treatment. You have 60 days from your qualifying event to elect COBRA coverage.

What You Need to Know

Health insurance can be confusing, with terms and rules that vary by plan type, state, and employer. Understanding cobra coverage is essential for making informed decisions about your healthcare coverage and managing your medical expenses effectively.

Related Insurance Topics

Understanding cobra coverage is closely connected to these other insurance concepts:

• Short-Term Health Insurance: Temporary Coverage Options — Short-term health insurance provides temporary medical coverage for gaps between plans, lasting from 30 days to 12 months in most states.
• Open Enrollment: When and How to Choose Your Health Plan — Open enrollment is the annual period when you can enroll in, switch, or change your health insurance plan.
• Medicaid Eligibility: Income Limits and How to Apply — Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.

Need Help Understanding Your Coverage?

GProv's insurance hub helps you navigate your health insurance benefits, understand your costs, and make the most of your coverage. Our AI health navigator, Appi, can answer specific questions about insurance terminology and help you understand what your plan covers.