How to Extend COBRA Health Insurance

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federal law that allows you to continue health care coverage in an employee group plan after certain events, such as resignation or divorce, cause you to lose eligibility to participate in the plan. The law permits you to continue receiving benefits at your own expense for a maximum of 18 months. However, if the event that caused you to lose eligibility involves a layoff or reduced work schedule and you become disabled during your first two months on COBRA, the law gives you the option of extending coverage an additional 11 months.

Instructions

• 1

  Elect to continue participating in group health coverage upon your loss of eligibility. Spouses and dependents who lose coverage when the covered employee loses eligibility to participate in the plan can also continue health benefits under COBRA. You have 60 days to tell the health plan administrator that you wish to continue coverage.

• 2

  Secure a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that that the agency has ruled that you became disabled within the first 60 days of your COBRA continuation coverage.

• 3

  Send the health plan administrator a copy of the Social Security Administration's ruling letter within 60 days of receiving the letter and before the initial 18-month period of coverage expires. Upon meeting these requirements, your entire family will qualify for an additional 11 months of continued health benefits under COBRA.