Other Coverage
COBRA
Quick answer
COBRA lets you temporarily continue employer coverage after leaving a job. COBRA is not considered active employer coverage for Medicare, so it does not delay your Part B enrollment window.
Plain-English definition
If you're 65+ and go on COBRA, enroll in Part B when first eligible or face a Late Enrollment Penalty.
Why it matters
Missing this rule is one of the most common causes of a permanent Part B LEP.
A simple example
You retire at 66 and choose COBRA. You still need to enroll in Part B when first eligible.
Common mistakes & misconceptions
Related terms
Employer Coverage
Employer coverage is a group health plan from your (or your spouse's) current job. If the employer has 20+ employees, you can usually delay Part B without penalty while you're still working.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window outside the standard windows when you can join, switch, or drop a plan. SEPs are triggered by qualifying life events like moving, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid.
Late Enrollment Penalty
The Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) is a permanent surcharge added to your Part B or Part D premium if you don't enroll when first eligible and don't have other creditable coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Does COBRA count as creditable coverage for Part B?+
No.
Sources & references
📚 Where this information comes from
- Medicare.gov — official U.S. government site for people with Medicare ↗Primary source for benefits, enrollment periods, and plan comparison.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ↗Federal rulemaking, program updates, and official guidance.
- Social Security Administration — Medicare enrollment & premiums ↗Enrollment, premium withholding, and IRMAA determinations.
When you're ready, compare plans on your own terms
See Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, or walk the course with a licensed agent whenever you'd like a second set of eyes.
We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.
Medicare Caddies is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.