Extending Your COBRA Coverage Past 18 Months
Can COBRA Coverage Be Extended Beyond 18 Months?
COBRA coverage normally lasts for 18 months after a job loss. In certain situations, such as disability or a second qualifying event, coverage may be extended up to 29 or 36 months. Contact your COBRA administrator for details on whether an extension applies in your case.
Ways COBRA Coverage May Be Extended
The maximum time an employee can stay on COBRA is 18 months. In certain cases, dependents may qualify for up to 36 months of coverage if a second qualifying event occurs. Extensions are limited and must meet specific requirements.
Ways COBRA coverage may be extended include:
- Disability extension: If the Social Security Administration determines that you are disabled, you may receive an additional 11 months of COBRA coverage, for a total of up to 29 months. Learn more about the disability extension for COBRA.
- Second qualifying event: If another qualifying event occurs during COBRA coverage, dependents may be able to extend coverage for up to 36 months. Examples of qualifying events include:
- Death of the covered employee
- Covered employee becoming entitled to Medicare
- Divorce or legal separation from the covered employee
- Child losing dependent status under the plan
Duration of Extension by Type
| Extension Type | Who Qualifies | Maximum Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard COBRA | Employee and dependents | 18 months | Available after job loss or reduction in hours |
| Disability Extension | Employee or dependent determined disabled by the Social Security Administration | 29 months total | Disability must be determined within the first 60 days of COBRA coverage |
| Second Qualifying Event | Spouse and dependents | 36 months total | Events include divorce, legal separation, death of the employee, Medicare entitlement, or loss of dependent status |
Contact your COBRA administrator for details on eligibility and deadlines.
About Us
COBRAinsurance.com provides clear guidance for people exploring health insurance after leaving an employer plan. We help individuals review COBRA, Affordable Care Act marketplace plans, short-term coverage, and Medicare so they can make informed choices. Backed by SASid, Inc. and Acrisure, our team offers licensed support and reliable tools to bridge coverage gaps with confidence.
