How long does COBRA coverage last?

Once you choose Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation and pay for it, COBRA coverage begins on the date that health care coverage ceased. You should be covered for 18 months or more, but the coverage may end earlier if premiums are not paid on time or your former employer decides to discontinue the company health plan. It will also cease when you obtain coverage with another employer’s group health plan or you become entitled to Medicare benefits. Employers may offer longer periods of COBRA coverage but are only required to do so under special circumstances, such as disability (yours or a family member’s), your death or divorce, or when your child ceases to meet the definition of a dependent child under the health plan.