COBRA is continuity, not always affordability
COBRA can let you keep the same employer plan temporarily, which may protect ongoing treatment or doctors. But the premium can be high because the employer may no longer subsidize it.
Marketplace special enrollment, Medicaid screening, spouse coverage, and other options should be compared before missing deadlines.
When COBRA may still make sense
COBRA can be worth comparing if you are mid-treatment, have met a deductible, need specific doctors, or have complex prescriptions.
Questions to ask
- Is this coverage category available for my location, age, residency status, and enrollment window?
- Which doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and imaging centers are in network?
- What deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum could apply?
- Are prescriptions, referrals, prior authorization, or medical records required?
- What should I get in writing before I enroll, travel, or schedule care?
Red flags
- A salesperson avoids written plan documents or official carrier links.
- The pitch focuses only on monthly premium and skips deductible, network, exclusions, and maximum exposure.
- Someone says a doctor, hospital, country, or procedure is covered without written verification.
- A limited-benefit, short-term, travel, or discount product is described like full major medical insurance.
Official sources to verify
Next step
Use the navigator to organize your situation, then verify plan-specific details with official sources, insurers, employer benefits teams, or licensed professionals.