COBRA After Medicare? Do Not Delay Part B Blindly
Usually no. COBRA is not current active-employer coverage for Part B timing. If you are already Medicare-eligible, relying on COBRA instead of Part B can lead to claims problems and late enrollment penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does COBRA give me a SEP to delay Part B?
- No. COBRA is not qualifying active-employer coverage for Part B Special Enrollment Period purposes. The 8-month SEP is triggered by active employment-based coverage, not COBRA.
- When does my SEP clock start if I chose COBRA instead of Part B?
- Your 8-month SEP window typically starts when the underlying active-employer coverage ended -- not when COBRA ends. If you are past the 8-month window, the General Enrollment Period (January through March) may be your next option.
- What should I do if I am currently on COBRA and Medicare-eligible?
- Contact Social Security or Medicare immediately. Determine whether your 8-month SEP is still open. If it is, enroll in Part B before the window closes. If not, plan to enroll during the next General Enrollment Period and be aware that a penalty may apply.