How Long Can COBRA Coverage Last?

The rules for how long COBRA coverage COULD* last are as follows:

• 18 months for termination or reduction in hours under FLSA or labor standards
• 29 months if a qualified beneficiary is disabled (per SSA determination) which may also trigger ADA or disability leave management protocols
• 36 months for other events (death, divorce, loss of dependent status)
• Multiple qualifying events can extend coverage up to 36 months total

Note that COBRA continuation coverage applies only to those individuals covered under the group health plan. So, for example, the spouse of an employee that has single coverage only through his or her group health plan is not eligible for COBRA. * “COULD“ means the maximum duration of coverage. Coverage can be terminated for a number of reasons, including non-payment of premiums. For an HR Generalist, ensuring human resources compliance means maintaining HIPAA privacy standards and following labor law. Note: This is an excerpt from our COBRA Training & Certification Program.