How - And When - An Employer Can Terminate COBRA Coverage
3/17/2026
Employers can terminate COBRA coverage before the maximum coverage period ends only under specific circumstances defined by federal law. These include: 
- Failure to pay premiums on a timely basis
- Covered person gets coverage under another group health plan
- Covered person becomes entitled to Medicare
- Gross misconduct is discovered after termination
- Employer stops offering group health coverage. This is a critical area for human resources compliance.
- End of COBRA coverage period. An HR Generalist must ensure proper notification is sent.
Note: This is an excerpt from our COBRA Training & Certification Program.