Evidence-based coverage guide
COBRA continuation coverage
Compare continuity, full premium, deadlines, Marketplace options, and Medicare coordination using the employer notice and official guidance.
COBRA is a federal continuation-coverage law that can let certain workers and family members temporarily keep job-based group health coverage after specified events. The plan's election notice explains who may elect, cost, deadlines, and how to pay.
COBRA can preserve the same plan and network, which may help with ongoing care, but the individual often pays the full premium plus any permitted administrative amount. Compare that cost with an official Marketplace result and other group coverage without missing either route's deadline.
Verification checklist
Collect the controlling facts
- Whether the group plan and event are subject to COBRA
- Election notice date and election deadline
- Monthly premium and payment due dates
- Current plan, network, deductible progress, and coverage period
- Marketplace Special Enrollment Period timing
- Medicare interaction or state continuation rules when relevant
Reusable process
Turn information into a dated record
- Start at the responsible official source. Confirm the program, plan, Marketplace, or agency that controls the question.
- Match identity and date. Use the exact plan, coverage year, notice, person, service area, or program record.
- Write unknowns as unknown. Ask the responsible organization instead of filling a gap with a national average.
- Keep the documents. Save the current notice, policy, result, reference number, and the date checked.
When this topic needs another check
Review the official source again when the plan year changes, the household moves, eligibility facts change, a new notice arrives, a provider or prescription changes, or an important service is planned. Saved web pages and directories are dated evidence, not permanent promises. Keep new records beside the earlier version so a change is visible.
Verification links
Primary sources
Primary sources checked August 11, 2026. Follow the current official record for an individual decision.