Late with Cobra is different from most insurance because you can pay the month after you receive services, not before.

This also allows you a little more flexibility than with a traditional plan where you have to prepay. For instance, if you're going to enroll in a new plan as of January, and don't end up using any medical services in December, you can decide in January not to pay for that month and Cobra will terminate coverage.

You don't have that option with a normal plan.