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
• End of COBRA coverage period

Note: This is an excerpt from our COBRA Training & Certification Program.