How can a beneficiary prevent loss of COBRA coverage if premiums are not paid?

• A. Pay the required premiums within the grace period; communicate with the plan administrator about any hardship or payment plan.
• B. File a complaint with the health department.
• C. Stop paying and wait for a grace extension.
• D. Switch to a different employer plan.

Answer: (A)

COBRA continuation depends on paying the premiums on time. When you elect COBRA, you’re responsible for monthly premium payments, and most plans allow a grace period—typically about 30 days—after the due date to make the payment without losing coverage. Paying the full amount within that grace period and, if needed, communicating with the plan administrator about a hardship or requesting a payment plan keeps the coverage active. This combination prevents a lapse in COBRA and gives you a path to resolve the payment issue while maintaining your continuation coverage. Other options don’t preserve the current COBRA coverage: filing a complaint with a health department isn’t a mechanism to maintain it, stopping payments and waiting for an extension isn’t allowed, and switching to another employer plan doesn’t preserve the COBRA plan you already selected.