COBRA is always retroactive to the day after your previous coverage ends, and you'll need to pay your premiums for that period too. ... COBRA allows you to keep the exact same benefits as before. No changes can be made to your plan at this time.

Can you backdate COBRA?

If you enroll in COBRA before the 60 days are up, your coverage is then retroactive, as long as you pay the retroactive premiums. This means that if you incur medical bills during your "election period," you can retroactively — and legally — elect COBRA and have those bills covered.

Can I elect COBRA after 60 days?

Under federal law, you have 60 days after the later of (1) the date the Election Notice was provided to you or (2) the date you lost Plan coverage, to elect COBRA coverage. If you do not send this election form within 60 days of receipt of this notice or loss of coverage, you will lose your right to elect coverage.