If you're interested in learning more about COBRA Continuation Health Coverage or VIPER® affordable COBRA alternatives, you've come to the right place. VIPER® Health Insurance is the industry standard alternative to COBRA, and the industry leading information site on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage. This website is jam-packed with useful information, FAQs, articles, resources, and services geared to help employees better understand their rights and the laws pertaining to COBRA Continuation Health Coverage.

COBRA - How Much does it Cost to Continue Health Insurance Coverage?
If I elect COBRA, how much do I pay?

When you were an active employee, your employer may have paid all or part of your group health premiums. Under COBRA, as a former employee no longer receiving benefits, you will usually pay the entire premium amount, that is, the portion of the premium that you paid as an active employee and the amount of the contribution made by your employer. In addition, there may be a 2 percent administrative fee.

While COBRA rates may seem high, you will be paying group premium rates, which are usually lower than individual rates.

Since it is likely that there will be a lapse of a month or more between the date of layoff and the time you make the COBRA election decision, you may have to pay health premiums retroactively-from the time of separation from the company. The first premium, for instance, will cover the entire time since your last day of employment with your former employer.

You should also be aware that it is your responsibility to pay for COBRA coverage even if you do not receive a monthly statement.

Although they are not required to do so, some employers may subsidize COBRA coverage.

COBRA information and Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Learn more about COBRA continuation of health insurance by selecting a link below.

• What does COBRA Continuation Health Coverage do?
• Who is entitled to benefits under COBRA?
• Plan Coverage
• Qualified Beneficiaries
• Qualifying Events
• Qualifying Events for Employees
• Qualifying Events for Spouses
• Qualifying Events for Dependent Children
• What group health plans are subject to COBRA?
• What process must individuals follow to elect COBRA continuation coverage?
• How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?
• How do I file a COBRA claim for benefits?
• Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage?
• Is a divorced spouse entitled to COBRA coverage from their former spouses’ group health plan?
• If I waive COBRA coverage during the election period, can I still get coverage at a later date?
• Under COBRA, what benefits must be covered?
• When does COBRA coverage begin?
• How long does COBRA coverage last?
• Who pays for COBRA coverage?
• If I elect COBRA, how much do I pay?
• Can I receive COBRA benefits while on FMLA leave?
• What is the Federal Government's role in COBRA?
• I am a federal employee. Can I receive benefits under COBRA?
• Am I eligible for COBRA if my company closed or went bankrupt and there is no health plan?
• How do I find out about COBRA coverage and how do I elect to take it?
• Frequently asked COBRA health insurance questions