When your COBRA enrollment or reinstatement is processed, it can take anywhere from 5 to 14 business days for the carrier’s internal systems to accurately reflect your active status.

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Once your enrollment is complete in their system, a common question is: Will I get a new insurance ID card? The answer depends entirely on your specific insurance carrier.

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• Some carriers will issue you a brand-new physical ID card (often with a new group number indicating your COBRA status).
• Other carriers will simply reactivate your coverage and have you continue using the exact same physical card you had as an active employee.

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Getting new ID cards

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Because mailing physical cards takes time, we highly recommend getting a digital copy before your next doctor's appointment or pharmacy visit.

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Logging into your carrier's member portal allows you to pull up a digital ID card on your phone, download a PDF copy, or manually request that a new physical card be mailed to your home.  

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Alternatively, you can call the member services phone number on the back of your previous employee ID card to request a new copy—your member information will still tie back to that account. Below are the links to several common national carriers:

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• Anthem
• Cigna
• Guardian
• Kaiser
• Principal
• UnitedHealthcare

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💡 Going to a Dental or Vision Appointment? Many dental and vision providers do not actually require a physical ID card to look up your benefits. They can typically locate your active coverage using just your Social Security Number (SSN) and Date of Birth (DOB). If you or your dependents have an upcoming dental or vision visit, just keep that information handy.