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What Is COBRA?

By Jeremy BowmanUpdated Sep 11, 2025 at 2:44 AM

Key Points

  • COBRA lets you keep job-based health insurance after leaving work, but you pay full premiums.
  • You can use COBRA for up to 18 months, and possibly longer if certain conditions are met.
  • Consider alternative insurance like spouse's plan, Medicare, or a marketplace plan, which may be cheaper.

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