How Long Does COBRA Insurance Last?
COBRA insurance typically lasts 18 months for employees, up to 36 months for dependents, and can be extended to 29 months for those with a qualifying disability.
My job may end in the next couple months. How long can I stay on COBRA?
You can stay on COBRA for 18 or 36 Months
COBRA coverage generally lasts 18 months for the employee. However, dependents on the plan, such as a spouse or children, can be eligible for up to 36 months of coverage under certain circumstances, like divorce or the death of the covered employee. If someone on the plan qualifies as disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA coverage, the coverage period may be extended to 29 months.
To receive the extra 11 months due to disability, the disabled individual must be determined disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You’ll need to notify the plan administrator within 60 days of receiving the SSA disability determination to qualify for the extension.
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Disability Gives You An 11 Month Extension
You may be eligible for COBRA and Social Security disability benefits. If so, COBRA coverage can be extended for 11 more months, bringing the total coverage to 29 months.
You must also let the plan administrator know about your disability within 60 days of your disability determination.
Additionally, the disability must have occurred within the first 60 days of your COBRA coverage. Your group health plan must provide disability extensions beyond the 18-month period. The premium cost may increase by 150% of the standard premium during the additional 11 months.
Communicating with the plan administrator is important. Understand the terms and eligibility requirements for extending COBRA benefits if you are disabled. This will ensure you have the best coverage.
Events That Trigger COBRA Coverage
Certain events qualify you for COBRA, like losing your job (unless it’s due to gross misconduct), having your work hours reduced, or experiencing a divorce. If a dependent child loses their status as a dependent, they may also qualify. These events allow you to continue your employer-provided health coverage.
Leaving a job may be either voluntary or involuntary. You can keep your employer’s group health insurance for 18 months after your job ends. By electing COBRA coverage individuals have the right to retain their health benefits even if their employment status changes.
COBRA Coverage Duration Based on Qualifying Events
The chart below outlines how long you can maintain your workplace health insurance through COBRA, depending on the qualifying event.
| Qualifying COBRA Event | Length of Continuation Coverage |
|---|---|
| Reduction of Hours (resulting in loss of coverage) | 18 Months |
| Voluntary Termination of Employment (quitting your job) | 18 Months |
| Involuntary Termination of Employment (getting fired from job) | 18 Months |
| Divorce, Annulment, Termination of Domestic Partnership, or Legal Separation | 36 Months |
| Child ceases to be a Dependent (e.g. child turns 26) | 36 Months |
| Death of Employee | 36 Months |
| Disability Determination (within first 60 days of COBRA coverage) | 29 Months |
How long can dependents use COBRA?
Qualifying events can remove a partner, spouse, or dependent from a group healthcare plan. These beneficiaries are then eligible for COBRA coverage for up to 36 months. This includes the death of the covered employee, divorce, separation or annulment.
Adult children lose their dependent child status at age 26. They may use COBRA rights for 36 months to keep their parent’s health insurance plan.
How do dependents get started with COBRA?
Contact the plan administrator of your employer group health plan within 60 days of the qualifying event to get COBRA benefits. The plan administrator will provide you with information about your rights and how to enroll in COBRA. Once you enroll, you must pay the premiums in full, within 30 days, in order to maintain coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Length of COBRA Coverage
Here are some common questions and answers to help you better understand how COBRA insurance works and how long you can stay on it.
For Employees
How long can an employee stay on COBRA after losing a job?
Employees who lose their job can typically stay on COBRA for up to 18 months.
Can COBRA be extended for employees beyond 18 months?
COBRA coverage can be extended up to 29 months if the employee qualifies for a disability extension or if a second qualifying event occurs during the coverage period.
For Spouse and Dependents
How long can a spouse or dependent stay on COBRA after a job loss?
Spouses and dependents are usually eligible for COBRA for 18 months if the employee loses their job or has a reduction in work hours.
How long can a spouse stay on COBRA after a divorce?
After a divorce or legal separation, the spouse can stay on COBRA for up to 36 months.
How long can dependents stay on COBRA after the death of a covered employee?
Dependents can remain on COBRA for up to 36 months following the death of the covered employee.
For Turning 26
How long can a dependent child stay on COBRA after turning 26?
A dependent child who loses coverage after turning 26 can continue on COBRA for up to 36 months.
For Disability
How long can COBRA be extended for a disability?
COBRA can be extended from 18 months to 29 months if the Social Security Administration determines the beneficiary became disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA coverage.
Do all family members get the COBRA disability extension?
Yes, if one family member qualifies for the disability extension, all covered family members on the plan can receive the extension to 29 months.
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