Questions on selecting Cobra or spouse’s coverage

I'm totally confused as to what to do. I lost my job and need to choose my Cobra coverage or sign up for a plan through my spouse's company. The enrollment date for my spouse's plan is August 1. I have until September 2 to decide on the Cobra. We have met the deductible for my plan and would need to meet another $1000 deductible if going on my wife's plan. The monthly difference is $1000 more for the Cobra.

My wife's company does not have an actual HR person, just someone who keeps track of all insurance issues. This person checked with the agent that set up the company coverage and was told that if we selected Cobra, we could only switch to my spouse's plan if another life event occurred. The agent said this could include a policy pricing change or my old company's next re-enrollment date. Everything I am reading about Cobra mentions the original 7 life events but does not address re-enrollment as a specific qualifier to change coverage. This is complicated because I qualify for Medicare in February of 2025. At that time, If we elect to go with the Cobra coverage, could my spouse leave the Cobra plan and enroll in her company plan, as Medicare enrollment would be considered a life event?

submitted by /u/Noopie2024
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