When are COBRA premium payments due?

Whether a COBRA premium payment is timely is governed under the following rules: A premium payment is timely if made within 30 days of the due date or such longer period as provided by the plan. The due date must not begin before the first day of the coverage period.

Qualified beneficiaries must have the option of paying on a monthly basis. No payment may be required before the 45th day after the date of election.

Example: Craig is terminated on August 1 and loses coverage on that date. He elects COBRA coverage on September 1 and chooses to pay his COBRA premiums on a monthly basis. Craig's first premium payment is due on October 16. On that date he must make payments for August and September. Payment for October must be made by October 31. Thereafter, Craig must make a payment by the date that is 30 days after the first day of each month.

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 When are COBRA premium payments due? Whether a COBRA premium payment is timely is governed under the following rules: