<prompt> Human: So I was laid off and my severance ends later this month including my employer-paid health insurance. I have a new job, but my new health benefits will not begin until May 1. This gives me 5 days for which I am not covered. I am certain that nothing will happen, but I would like to be covered as I have underlying conditions that may decide to rear their ugly heads at that time. My questions are in bold below:- Can I just get 5 days worth of coverage, or is it usually a month at a time? Is this a question I would be better asking the benefits center of my old employer?- If I am required to buy a month, can I retroactively pay if I need it? Im reading through the COBRA handbook, and it says the following: - If you elect for coverage, youre not required to send payment with the election. - You can be required to make an initial payment within 45 days after the COBRA election postmark date on envelope. - If I dont pay a premium by the first date of coverage, but pay within the grace period 30 days, the plan will be cancelled, and then retroactively reinstated to the beginning of the period. Could I just elect for coverage and not pay unless something happens during those 5 days? also Will my credit score take a hit, even though Im not paying and no services are being rendered?Thanks in advance.  <response>: Yes you can wait to retroactively pay for COBRA if you end up needing it. Thats your best option in this scenario. 