Losing employer-sponsored health insurance can feel overwhelming, but COBRA allows you to continue your coverage without disruption. Whether you’re between jobs, retiring early, or experiencing a qualifying life event, COBRA health insurance in 2025 ensures that you maintain access to the same doctors, hospitals, and benefits you’re familiar with.
At Skyline Benefit, we help individuals understand COBRA, including how it works, what it costs, who qualifies, and how to enroll—so you can confidently make an informed decision.
What Is COBRA Health Insurance?
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a federal law that allows employees and their families to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance after losing coverage due to job loss, reduced work hours, or other qualifying events.
Key Benefits of COBRA
- Keep the same health plan, doctors, and network without disruption
- Avoid gaps in medical coverage during transitions
- Extend coverage to spouses and dependents
- Coverage can last up to 18 or 36 months, depending on the qualifying event
COBRA is designed to provide stability and ensure continuous access to healthcare.
Who Is Eligible for COBRA in 2025?
To qualify for COBRA, you must have been enrolled in an employer-sponsored health plan before experiencing a qualifying event that causes loss of coverage.
Common Qualifying Events
- Job loss, whether voluntary or involuntary, except in cases of gross misconduct
- Reduction in work hours that causes loss of health benefits
- Divorce or legal separation that removes a spouse from coverage
- Death of the covered employee, allowing family members to continue coverage
- A dependent turning 26 and aging out of a parent’s health plan
If you experience any of these events, you have the right to continue your health insurance through COBRA.
COBRA Health Insurance Costs in 2025
With COBRA, you keep the same health plan, but you are responsible for the full premium cost, which includes the portion your employer previously covered.
Premiums vary depending on the specific health plan, location, and whether you are covering just yourself or a family. On average, individual coverage can range from $600 to $1,000 per month, while family coverage can exceed $1,500 per month. Some employers offer temporary COBRA subsidies, so it’s always best to check with your HR department.
How Long Does COBRA Coverage Last?
COBRA coverage is temporary, and the length depends on the qualifying event.
- Employees who lose their jobs or have reduced work hours can continue coverage for up to 18 months.
- Those who qualify due to disability may receive an extension up to 29 months.
- Dependents and spouses affected by divorce, legal separation, or the death of the covered employee can maintain coverage for up to 36 months.
If your COBRA coverage period is ending, you will have a special enrollment period to transition to another health plan.
How to Enroll in COBRA Health Insurance in 2025
Enrolling in COBRA is straightforward, but you must act within the required timeframe to secure your coverage.
Steps to Enroll in COBRA
- Receive Your COBRA Notice – Your employer or plan administrator will send a COBRA election notice within 14 days of your coverage loss.
- Review Your Coverage Options – COBRA allows you to keep the same health plan, and you can choose whether to enroll in individual or family coverage.
- Submit Your COBRA Enrollment Form – You have 60 days from receiving the notice to decide and submit your COBRA election form.
- Make Your First Payment – Your first COBRA payment is due within 45 days of enrollment. Coverage begins retroactively to your original loss of coverage date.
- Continue Monthly Payments – Ensure timely payments to maintain uninterrupted coverage.
If you don’t receive a COBRA notice after losing job-based insurance, immediately contact your employer’s HR department or benefits administrator.
What Happens If You Miss the COBRA Enrollment Deadline?
COBRA has strict deadlines. If you miss the 60-day enrollment window, you lose your right to continue your employer-sponsored plan. There are no exceptions, and the federal rules do not allow extensions unless you qualify for a special extension, such as for disability.
Can COBRA Coverage End Early?
COBRA coverage can end before the full 18-36 month period if:
- You stop making premium payments
- Your employer stops offering health benefits to current employees
- You enroll in another group health plan, such as through a new employer or spouse
- You become eligible for Medicare
Planning before COBRA coverage expires ensures that you do not experience any unexpected gaps in health insurance.
COBRA Health Insurance in 2025: Is It Worth It?
COBRA remains a reliable choice for individuals who want continuous, comprehensive health coverage after leaving an employer plan.
COBRA Is Ideal If You:
- Need to keep your current doctors and network
- Have ongoing medical treatments that require uninterrupted care
- Prefer not to switch health insurance plans immediately
- Are transitioning between jobs or waiting for new employer coverage to begin
While COBRA is not the most affordable option, it provides stability and peace of mind during life transitions.
Need Help with COBRA Enrollment?
Skyline Benefit is an independent group health insurance broker in Fullerton, CA, specializing in affordable health benefits for small businesses.
Our team help individuals understand COBRA, including how it works, what it costs, who qualifies, and how to enroll.
Schedule a free consultation today. Call us at: (714) 888-5112