How to Get a Disability Extension for COBRA Coverage
You can get an 11-month extension of COBRA for being disablies. Under the COBRA law, it is possible to extend the standard 18 months of coverage to a total of 29 months if an individual is determined to be disabled at the time of a qualifying event.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows for this 11-month extension for disabilities that occur before or during the first 60 days of COBRA coverage. This extension is available not only to the individual who is disabled but also to all qualified beneficiaries covered under the COBRA plan.
Obtaining an Extension
- Notify the Plan Administrator: Contact the plan administrator before the end of the initial 18-month COBRA coverage period to request the extension.
- Provide Documentation: Submit the necessary documentation that verifies the disability status of the individual.
- Meet Notification Deadlines: Ensure that you notify the administrator no later than 30 days after the individual is no longer considered disabled under the law.
COBRA Premium Rate Increase With Disability Extension
When a qualified beneficiary receives the 11-month disability extension, COBRA law permits the employer or plan administrator to charge up to 150 percent of the plan’s total premium cost for months 19 through 29 of coverage. This higher rate is allowed only during the disability extension period. Once the extension ends, COBRA coverage cannot exceed the maximum time limit of 29 months in total.