ESRD With COBRA and Medicare: The 30-Month Coordination Period
With ESRD and COBRA, the group health plan — including COBRA continuation — generally pays first during the 30-month coordination period. Medicare pays second. After month 30, Medicare becomes the primary payer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the 30-month coordination period apply if I have COBRA?
- Yes. COBRA is a form of group health plan continuation coverage. With ESRD and COBRA, the group health plan generally pays first for the 30-month coordination period. Medicare pays second, then becomes the primary payer after month 30.
- Can I keep COBRA after enrolling in Medicare for ESRD?
- Yes. COBRA can continue alongside Medicare. During the 30-month coordination period, the COBRA plan pays primary and Medicare pays secondary. After month 30, Medicare becomes primary and COBRA pays secondary — review what your COBRA plan covers as a secondary payer.
- When does Medicare become primary if I have ESRD and COBRA?
- Medicare becomes the primary payer after the 30-month ESRD coordination period ends. Until then, the group health plan (COBRA) pays first and Medicare pays second for covered services.