How do I extend my COBRA benefits?

Asked by: Torrance Ratke PhD  |  Last update: October 18, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (58 votes)

COBRA allows extended coverage for qualified beneficiaries who experience second qualifying events within the 18-month continuation period. Approval for Social Security disability (29 months). Death of the former employee. Divorce from former employee.

Is there any way to extend COBRA coverage?

Consumers may also extend COBRA continuation coverage longer than the initial 18-month period with a second qualifying event—e.g., divorce or legal separation, death of the covered employee, Medicare entitlement of the covered employee (in certain circumstances), or loss of dependent child status —up to an additional ...

What happens when my COBRA expires?

When Federal COBRA ends, eligible employees can buy 18 months additional health coverage under Cal-COBRA. All qualified beneficiaries are generally eligible for continuation coverage for 36 months after the date the qualified beneficiary's benefits would otherwise have terminated.

Can COBRA be extended beyond 18 months due to disability?

In certain circumstances, if a disabled individual and non-disabled family members are qualified beneficiaries, they are eligible for up to an 11-month extension of COBRA continuation coverage, for a total of 29 months.

How long can you stay on COBRA after leaving a job?

While COBRA is temporary, in most circumstances, you can stay on COBRA for 18 to 36 months.

COBRA Insurance | What You Need to Know

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How do you keep a COBRA for 36 months?

Second Qualifying Event - If you are receiving an 18-month maximum period of continuation coverage, you may become entitled to an 18-month extension (giving a total maximum period of 36 months of continuation coverage) if you experience a second qualifying event that is the death of a covered employee, the divorce or ...

What is the 60 day loophole for cobras?

What is the COBRA Loophole 60 Days? The Cobra Loophole 60 Days allows you to defer your decision about COBRA insurance until the very last day of the 60-day period. This gives you a window of time where you don't need to pay any premiums, yet you're still covered if an emergency occurs.

What is the grace period for COBRA payments?

After you are established on your COBRA coverage, ongoing monthly payments are due the first day of each month. There is a grace period of 30 days from the due date for ongoing monthly premium payments. If you mail your payment, it must be postmarked within the 30-day grace period.

How does COBRA work for long term disability?

The COBRA continuation coverage may be extended if an individual is deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the individual meets certain requirements. This allows a qualified beneficiary to remain covered under COBRA until they become eligible for Medicare.

What happens if I turn 26 while on COBRA?

Turning 26 initiates a special enrollment period, requiring you to find new coverage. Options include COBRA continuation, short-term insurance, marketplace plans, or employer-sponsored plans.

Does COBRA automatically cancel after 18 months?

If you get COBRA, you must pay for the entire premium, including any portion that your employer may have paid in the past. This means your payment is often more expensive than what you paid as an employee. You can collect COBRA benefits for up to 18 months. This may be extended to 36 months under certain circumstances.

How much does COBRA typically cost per month?

COBRA coverage is not cheap.

A COBRA premium can cost on average $400 to $700 a month per person.

Can I switch from COBRA to the marketplace?

From January 16-October 31: You can switch from COBRA to a Marketplace plan if: Your COBRA coverage is running out. You have to pay the full cost of COBRA coverage because your former employer stops contributing, or you lose a government subsidy (like COBRA premium assistance).

Why is COBRA so expensive?

Why is COBRA more expensive than employer-sponsored insurance? COBRA is more expensive because the individual is responsible for the entire premium amount without the employer's financial contribution that is provided during active employment.

Can you go on COBRA twice?

It may be possible for qualified beneficiaries to extend their original 18-month period of COBRA continuation coverage for an additional 18 months (for a total maximum coverage period of 36 months) if they experience a second qualifying event. Second qualifying events are: Death of the covered employee.

What is the difference between federal COBRA and cal COBRA?

Federal COBRA generally extends health coverage for 18 months. Individuals with certain qualifying events may be eligible for a longer extension (e.g., 29 or 36 months). Cal-COBRA allows individuals to continue their group health coverage for up to 36 months.

How to extend COBRA coverage?

Qualifying events

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.

Can COBRA be extended due to disability?

To be eligible for an extension, your disability must continue for the rest of the 18-month period of COBRA coverage. Contact your plan for more information on receiving an extension.

What happens when an employee goes on long-term disability?

In California, specific regulations prevent employers from setting a predetermined termination date based on a lengthy disability leave. Instead, the duration of LTD benefits and employment status while on leave is influenced by the individual's policy and the nature of their contract with the employer.

Can I keep COBRA for 36 months?

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.

What is the 60 day loophole for COBRA?

Once your employment ends, you have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage with your former employer. Some people all this the “60 day loophole for COBRA.” COBRA is retroactive, which means that it begins the day after your employer coverage ends.

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 does COBRA continue?

COBRA is temporary. It gives you time to find another health plan or covers you until your next employer plan kicks in, like when you start a new job. Federal coverage lasts 18 months but may extend up to 36 months if you have a second “qualifying event.” For instance, a divorce or death of a spouse.

Does insurance end the day you quit?

When you leave or are let go from a job, your health insurance either expires on your last day of work or at the end of the month of your exit, says Andy Gillin, attorney and managing partner at GJEL Accident Attorneys. For example, if you quit on July 15th, your coverage usually continues until July 31st.

What is the 105 day COBRA loophole?

So, if you maxed out the 60 day election period plus the 45 day payment period, you could actually go 105 days without paying for the coverage.