How Medicare & COBRA Interact
Medicare and COBRA interact in a few different ways.
- If you have COBRA and you’re eligible for Medicare, COBRA will typically end on the date you get Medicare. Medicare is the primary payer for healthcare services, and COBRA is the secondary payer. This means that Medicare will pay for your healthcare services first, and COBRA will only pay for any remaining costs.
- If you have Medicare and you become eligible for COBRA, you can still choose to enroll in COBRA. This may be a good option if you need more coverage than Medicare provides, or if you want to have the option of going to doctors outside of the Medicare network.
- Your spouse and dependents may be able to keep COBRA for up to 36 months, regardless of whether you enroll in Medicare. This is because COBRA is a continuation of your employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, and your spouse and dependents may be eligible for COBRA even if you are not.
Here are some things to consider if you have COBRA and you’re eligible for Medicare:
- Costs: COBRA can be expensive, especially if you have to pay the full cost of the coverage. Medicare is generally more affordable than COBRA, but it may not cover all of your healthcare needs.
- Coverage: Medicare covers a wide range of healthcare services, but it may not cover everything. COBRA can provide additional coverage, such as prescription drug coverage and dental and vision coverage.
- Network: Medicare has a large network of doctors and other providers. COBRA may also have a large network, but it may be different from Medicare’s network.
If you have COBRA and you’re eligible for Medicare, you should carefully consider your options and choose the best plan for your needs. You may want to talk to a health insurance agent or a Medicare counselor to help you make a decision.
Here are some additional tips for coordinating Medicare and COBRA:
- Let your COBRA plan know when you become eligible for Medicare. Your COBRA plan will need to coordinate your coverage with Medicare.
- Enroll in Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and other outpatient services. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A if you are eligible for Social Security benefits, but you must enroll in Medicare Part B.
- Consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans are private health plans that offer Medicare benefits and additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage and dental and vision coverage.
- Review your coverage regularly. Your healthcare needs may change over time, so it is important to review your Medicare and COBRA coverage regularly to make sure that you have the coverage that you need.
