Cobra Insurance Extension Available

jaepinkroses

Cobra Insurance Extension Available

jaepinkroses

Hi,

My sister was recently granted an 11 month extension to her initial 18 month Cobra Insurance coverage (total of 29 months coverage).  We found out that this could be available by accident online, so am posting links to the information in case someone else needs to extend also.  This is restricted to those with SS disability and there are timing issues to when it must be applied for, but it could be important and shouldn't be missed out on just because someone has never heard about the option. 

My sister, who received her SS disability status letter before she ever went on Cobra (due to her bc liver mets), was able to contact her current Cobra plan provider by phone before her initial 18 months expired, and request the extension.  It took some discussion and had to refer them to the information below... but her extension was eventually granted. 

Below are links to the sources we originally found and quotes from both:  

#1. US Dept of Labor website (scroll down):  http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html

"Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage? Yes, disability can extend the 18 month period of continuation coverage for a qualifying event that is a termination of employment or reduction of hours.  To qualify for additional months of COBRA continuation coverage, the qualified beneficiary must:

• Have a ruling from the Social Security Administration that he or she became disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA continuation coverage. 

• Send the plan a copy of the Social Security ruling letter within 60 days of receipt, but prior to expiration of the 18-month period of coverage.

If these requirements are met, the entire family qualifies for an additional 11 months of COBRA continuation coverage.  Plans can charge 150% of  the premium cost for the extended period of coverage. "

#2. COBRA insurance information site:

 http://cobrainsurance.com/help/questions/5/COBRA+Coverage+and+Disability 

COBRA coverage and Disability 
"The HIPPA law states that all qualified beneficiaries, not just the disabled person, have the right to continue with COBRA coverage and take advantage of the 11 month extension. In compliance with the COBRA law, it is possible to extend the 18 months of coverage to 29 months, if an individual has been determined disabled at the time of a qualifying event. HIPPA has modified the plan by allowing the 11 month extension to consist of those disabilities that may happen before or during that first 60 days of your COBRA coverage.   You will need to contact the plan administrator before the end of the 18 month period."

Good luck to all.   judy

jenni__ca

thanks - i'll let some other bc'ers know your info too !!