How COBRA Works with Medicare
If you have COBRA before enrolling into Medicare, COBRA typically ends when you become Medicare-eligible.
If you're already Medicare-eligible, you may enroll in COBRA; however, you'd be responsible for the Medicare Part B premium as well as the COBRA premium. You can leave COBRA at any time or wait until COBRA expires, at which time you'd have an SEP.
COBRA doesn't affect Medicare Parts A and B enrollment, nor does it grant an SEP to enroll in Part B when your COBRA ends. You must enroll in Part B when first eligible or during the eight-month window after leaving employer coverage based on active employment. Otherwise, you may receive a permanent Part B late enrollment penalty.
If you're leaving your COBRA coverage or your COBRA is expiring, call us at 1-866-322-2824 to speak with a licensed benefit advisor about your Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Medicare Prescription Drug plan options. The benefit advisor can also discuss reimbursement arrangement eligibility with you.
Call Via Benefits for additional information on COBRA. You can also read more at medicare.gov.
*Our licensed benefit advisors specialize in health insurance for retirees. They go through annual training and certification to ensure they can help you make an informed and confident decision.