March 2001
Q. What
are the time periods required for continuation of medical coverage under
COBRA?
A.The
insurance continuation requirement can be for 18, 29 or 36 months based
on the reason that the coverage is lost.
If coverage is lost due to termination of employment or a reduction
in work hours, the continuation period is 18 months. A 29 month period
applies if the participant is disabled within 60 days after the onset
of COBRA and meets other requirements.
Finally, a 36 month period would apply to loss of coverage due to the
employee's death, divorce or legal separation of employee and spouse,
entitlement to Medicare benefits or a covered child losing eligibility
as a covered dependent.
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