Duration for Continuing Health Insurance After a Job Loss Benefits
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, known as COBRA, coverage lasts for up to 18 months.
A spouse or dependent child who becomes eligible for any reason other than the employee’s qualifying event can continue COBRA coverage for up to 36 months. For example, if the employee dies, the spouse can continue coverage for 36 months.
Different rules apply in some circumstances. For example, if a spouse is receiving COBRA coverage because the employee was laid off, both the employee and spouse would be entitled to receive benefits for 18 months.
However, if the employee dies during this 18-month period, the spouse’s eligibility would be extended to 36 months. COBRA coverage can also be extended (to a total of 29 months) if the person receiving benefits has a disability and meets other requirements.
David Payab, Esq. from The Law Offices of Payab & Associates can be reached @ (818) 918-5522 or by visiting http://payablaw.com
