How to Extend COBRA Beyond 18 Months

COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and was passed by Congress in 1985. It allows an employee who has been laid off or terminated from their job to continue their group health insurance for up to 18 months after the end of their employment. If you become injured or disabled during your first 60 days of COBRA coverage you can file for an extension of up to 11 months. This allows the individual to maintain their insurance at a group rate until they are able to find another job.

Things You'll Need

• Disability ruling letter from the Social Security Administration

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply to the Social Security Administrator (SSA) for disability benefits (see Resources). You can do this either in person or online. Once you have received a ruling, print several copies of the letter.

• 2

  Find the address of the COBRA plan administrator. You can visit their website or look at your insurance policy. The human resources department at your past job should also have this information. 

• 3

  Mail one copy of the ruling letter to the plan administrator's address. The letter should be mailed as soon as you receive the ruling so that it will reach the COBRA plan administrator before the 18-month continuation ends.

• 4

  Confirm that the mail has been received by the COBRA plan administrator. Send the letter using certified mail so that you have a record of it being sent and received.

• 5

  Pay the insurance premiums. After your request for extension has been approved, you will receive a letter informing you to pay premium payments for the extension period of up to 11 months.