Glossary · Programs
What is COBRA continuation coverage?
COBRA is a federal law that may let you temporarily keep job-based health coverage after your job ends or another qualifying event. If you elect it, you pay 100% of the premium, including the employer's former share, plus a small administrative fee.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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COBRA continuation coverage: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| What you pay | 100% of the premium plus a small administrative fee | HealthCare.gov glossary: COBRA |
| Smaller employers | State continuation coverage can apply to employers with fewer than 20 employees | HealthCare.gov glossary: State continuation coverage |
| Medicare timing | Your 8-month Part B Special Enrollment Period starts when you stop working, even if you choose COBRA | Medicare.gov: When can I sign up for Medicare? |
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Questions
What does cobra continuation coverage mean in health insurance?
COBRA is a federal law that may let you temporarily keep job-based health coverage after your job ends or another qualifying event. If you elect it, you pay 100% of the premium, including the employer's former share, plus a small administrative fee.
Does COBRA delay my Medicare Part B enrollment window?
No. Medicare.gov says the 8-month Special Enrollment Period for Part B starts when you or your spouse stop working, even if you choose COBRA.