Can I Get an Extension on COBRA if I Become Disabled?

You Can Get an 11-Month Extension of COBRA for Being Disabled

Under 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.

To obtain the extension, you must:

• 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.

By following these steps, your husband and any other qualified beneficiaries can maintain COBRA coverage for an extended period, providing additional time to secure alternative health insurance options.