Length of COBRA Coverage
The federal COBRA law generally requires
that coverage extend from the date of the qualifying
event for 18-36 months. As shown in the chart below, the length of coverage
depends on qualifying event. However, longer
coverage periods may apply under state
mini-COBRA laws.
Qualifying
Event
|
Qualified
Beneficiaries
|
Maximum
Period of COBRA Coverage
|
Termination (for reasons other than gross misconduct) or
reduction in hours of employment
|
Employee
Spouse
Dependent Child
|
18 months
|
Employee enrollment in Medicare
|
Spouse
Dependent Child
|
36 months
|
Divorce or legal separation
|
Spouse
Dependent Child
|
36 months
|
Death of employee
|
Spouse
Dependent Child
|
36 months
|
Loss of "dependent child" status under the plan
|
Dependent Child
|
36 months
|
COBRA Coverage Extensions