COBRA lets you continue employer dental coverage for 18-36 months after losing job-based coverage. You pay the full premium plus up to 2% administrative fee.
COBRA dental costs the full premium (employer + employee portions) plus 2% admin fee. Monthly costs typically range $50-$150 for individual, $150-$400 for family.
Standard COBRA lasts 18 months. Disability can extend to 29 months. Dependent coverage after death/divorce can extend to 36 months.
COBRA may be worth it if you are mid-treatment, have met your deductible, or want to avoid waiting periods with new coverage. Compare to marketplace alternatives.
COBRA coverage is retroactive to your coverage end date if elected within 60 days. There is no gap in coverage when properly elected.
If your employer offered separate medical and dental plans, you may elect COBRA for dental only. Bundled plans must be taken together.
COBRA triggers: job loss (not for gross misconduct), reduced hours, death of covered employee, divorce, Medicare eligibility, and dependent aging out.
Your employer must notify the plan administrator of qualifying event. You receive election notice and have 60 days to elect coverage, with 45 days to pay first premium.
Yes, you can drop COBRA anytime by stopping premium payments or written notice. Once dropped, you generally cannot re-enroll in COBRA.
Alternatives: spouse employer coverage, individual dental insurance, Health Insurance Marketplace dental plans, dental discount plans, or Medicaid if eligible.