Does MinuteClinic Take COBRA Insurance?
Looking for care?
Access 190+ services and plan your In-Person or Virtual Care visit today.
Access to prompt and affordable medical care is essential. It can sometimes be hard to figure out if a certain clinic or physician accepts your insurance plan. This can be even more confusing when you’re leaving a job and have the option to use COBRA insurance.
At MinuteClinic, we strive to provide our patients with convenient, high-quality health care at affordable prices. As part of that commitment, we take most insurance plans. This includes many plans offered as part of COBRA insurance.
What is COBRA Insurance?
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance coverage temporarily if you lose your health benefits. For example, you may elect to continue your group health plan coverage for a short period while you wait to become eligible for health insurance through your new employer. Generally, you're entitled to extend your coverage under COBRA insurance rules if your company has 20 or more employees.
Many people refer to group insurance extended under COBRA rules as COBRA health insurance, so there's a common misconception that COBRA is an insurance provider. When you extend your policy, your existing insurer continues your coverage, and the terms of your insurance remain the same. For that reason, insurance details like coverage restrictions and provider networks will depend on your insurance company.
One key difference is that COBRA insurance premiums are not shared with your employer. This means that your premiums under COBRA will be higher than what you used to pay under your previous employer.
Does MinuteClinic take COBRA insurance?
MinuteClinic insurance acceptance depends on your insurance provider. Therefore, COBRA insurance is usually accepted if your insurance policy covers MinuteClinic visits.
Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary between policies, so it's a good idea to contact your insurer to check your coverage before scheduling an appointment.
Can I use COBRA for a Virtual Care visit?
Our MinuteClinic providers accept some COBRA insurance plans for MinuteClinic Virtual Care™ visits. Acceptance of your insurance depends on several factors, including your insurance company, where you live and which service you require.
You can visit our Insurance & Pricing page and use our Insurance Check to find out if we take your plan. However, the only sure way to determine your coverage for Virtual Care is to contact your insurer.
What is the difference between COBRA, Medicaid and Medicare?
COBRA, Medicaid and Medicare are government health insurance programs. However, they differ in terms of eligibility and coverage. COBRA aims to ensure continuity of coverage for people who've lost their group eligibility, but it isn't a long-term option. Meanwhile, Medicaid and Medicare provide health insurance coverage for certain demographics.
Medicare covers people aged 65 and older regardless of household income. You may also be eligible for Medicare if you're younger than 65 and have a specific health condition or disability. Meanwhile, Medicaid covers children and adults living in low-income households. Some people are eligible to enroll in both Medicare and Medicaid.
Coverage and cost-sharing arrangements also differ between COBRA insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. For example, out-of-pocket costs for COBRA insurance enrollees depend on your insurer, while Medicare charges the same deductibles and co-pays nationwide. States can also set their own Medicaid cost-sharing arrangements.
MinuteClinic accepts Medicare and Medicaid. However, acceptance of COBRA health insurance varies by provider.
How much does a MinuteClinic visit cost without insurance?
Fortunately, you can access high-quality, low-cost care through MinuteClinic even if your COBRA policy isn't accepted. Most people pay between $99 and $139 for in-person, general-health visits, such as visits to diagnose and treat common illnesses and infections. For Virtual Care, expect to pay between $59 and $119 for a general medical visit or between $89 and $129 for a mental health appointment.
However, the cost of your treatment depends on which services you need and whether you require tests. You can estimate the cost of in-person care by consulting the MinuteClinic price list.
Find care
We offer services at MinuteClinic and CVS Pharmacy®
All fields are required.
Reschedule or cancel an existing visit
