Job loss – Can I sign up for COBRA as primary insurance while on husband’s insurance

Hello and TIA. I've been trying to find info anywhere, but whatever comes up are AI responses, and COBRA doesn't have a very good FAQ.

I separated from my job in August, and my and my child's insurance ended on 8/31. We had Premera BCBS (1) and I had reached my maximum out of pocket due to heavy medical situations this year.

My child and I joined my husband's insurance Premera BCBS (2) beginning 9/1. Before my insurance ended, my daughter had a surgery, but the total out of pocket came out to $28 due to me already maxing-out the out of pocket. She may do another elective surgery this year (not medically necessary, but would ease a lot of discomfort) and now I'm thinking about getting on the COBRA insurance, so that even with the high premium, it'd still be less out of pocket than if we used my husband's insurance.

My question is, can I sign up for COBRA and use it as a primary insurance, even though I am now listed on my husband's insurance? To my understanding, they just extend your insurance from your former employee, so I wouldn't have to start a new deductible, and essentially would just be paying for the premium and no further expenses.

We didn't anticipate another major expense like a surgery, and thus didn't think it made sense to join COBRA when I separated.

submitted by /u/Long-Weight-5004
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