Can COBRA last longer than 36 months?
Asked by: Mrs. Adella McKenzie IV | Last update: December 5, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (37 votes)
What is the maximum duration for COBRA?
While COBRA is temporary, in most circumstances, you can stay on COBRA for 18 to 36 months.
Can COBRA be extended beyond 36 months?
California Insurance Code (CIC) Section 10128.59 provides extension under Cal-COBRA for those who have exhausted their 18 months on federal COBRA (or longer in special circumstances) for a total extension that cannot exceed 36 months.
How long can you do COBRA after retiring?
Retirees may use COBRA Insurance For 18 Months.
Is COBRA 18 or 36 months in New York?
New York State law requires small employers (less than 20 employees) to provide the equivalent of COBRA benefits. You are entitled to 36 months of continued health coverage at a monthly cost to you of 102% of the actual cost to the employer which may be different from the amount deducted from your paychecks.
When Does COBRA Insurance End? : Personal & Health Insurance Tips
What is the age limit on COBRA?
Age is not a limitation for COBRA eligibility. There are other limitations though. If you and your employer meet all of the following criteria, COBRA is an option: Your previous employer has 20 or more employees.
How does COBRA work after leaving a job?
COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You usually pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee. Contact your employer to learn about your COBRA options.
How long is COBRA offered after termination?
A plan, however, may provide longer periods of coverage beyond the maximum period required by law. When the qualifying event is the covered employee's termination of employment or reduction in hours of employment, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to 18 months of continuation coverage.
Why is COBRA so expensive?
COBRA coverage is not cheap.
Why? Because you're now responsible for paying your portion of your health insurance: The cost your employer contributed to your premium, in addition to the 2% service fee on the cost of your insurance.
Can you get off COBRA anytime?
COBRA participants may terminate coverage early, but they generally won't be able to get a Health Insurance Marketplace plan outside of the open enrollment period.
What is the COBRA loophole?
If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.
What happens if I turn 65 while on COBRA?
In addition, a COBRA carrier may be able to bill you for any benefits paid by mistake when Medicare should have paid first. If you're already on COBRA when you become eligible for Medicare, you will lose your COBRA benefits and none of this applies to you.
Is COBRA cheaper than marketplace?
Both COBRA and ACA Marketplace plans have their advantages. COBRA lets you keep your exact employer-based plan but is often more expensive. ACA plans may be more affordable, especially with subsidies, but require choosing a new plan. The best choice depends on your financial situation and healthcare needs.
Can you extend COBRA after 36 months?
Must occur within 18- or 29-month coverage period. Must be reported within 60 days of the second qualifying event. Qualified beneficiary must report event to COBRA administrator on the Notice to Extend COBRA Continuation Coverage. Never extend coverage beyond 36 months from original COBRA eligibility date.
How much does COBRA cost per month?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
What happens if I elect COBRA but don't pay?
There is no grace period if you're late paying your initial COBRA premium payment. 3 If it isn't paid on time (ie, within 45 days of electing COBRA), you lose your right to have COBRA coverage; you'll have to find other health insurance options or you'll be uninsured.
Are there better options than COBRA?
Instead of enrolling in COBRA continuation coverage, there may be other more affordable coverage options for you and your family through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or other group health plan coverage (such as a spouse's plan) through what is called a “special enrollment period.” Some of these options ...
What are the cons of COBRA?
- It's expensive. Your premiums will probably go up since your employer isn't contributing. ...
- You're subject to your employer's plan offerings. You might lose COBRA coverage if the employer changes its plan or goes out of business.
What to do when COBRA is too expensive?
If you decide COBRA is too expensive, consider a Marketplace health insurance plan for your coverage needs.
What happens when your COBRA runs out?
What do I do when my COBRA runs out? Since the Affordable Care Act, running out of COBRA continuation coverage is now a “qualifying life event,” which means that you now have a “special enrollment period” in which you may enroll in an insurance plan outside of open enrollment.
Is COBRA covered by severance?
When employees lose their jobs and are offered severance, it's common for employers to pay all or a portion of the COBRA premiums for a few months on a pre-tax basis (although not required by law).
Can I use COBRA if I quit?
Whether you quit, get fired or are laid off, you may be able to choose your former employer's health plan under a federal law called COBRA. That stands for Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act. It's available if: You were enrolled in an employer-sponsored medical, dental or vision plan.
How long can I stay on COBRA?
You can collect COBRA benefits for up to 18 months. This may be extended to 36 months under certain circumstances. If your employer has 20 or more employees, it must follow COBRA rules.
What is the timeline for COBRA?
60 days: The COBRA-eligible participant(s) have 60 days to enroll in coverage. If the COBRA-eligible participant does not elect coverage within 60 days after the notification, they are no longer eligible to elect.
What is considered gross misconduct for a COBRA?
Fighting, physical assault, abuse, or threatening behavior • Blatant disregard for the safety of others or serious breaches of health and safety rules • Deliberate acts of vandalism or sabotage • Any attempts to financially defraud the company or theft • Significant levels of insubordination • Dishonesty, falsification ...