February 18, 2012


Our guest asks:

My COBRA is about to run out at the end of March 2012. I see on you web page that I may be eligible for up to 36 months of coverage with a second qualifying event but I can not see the chart that lists them (it does not open on my browser). I went out on disability and while on Cobra I continued to be disabled due to new medical conditions. Will this entitle me to continue on Cobra? I do have a SSI disability hearing pending and, if awarded, will qualify for Medicare. (The personal medical details were ommitted for republication).

OnlineAdviser responds:

Your best option for a clear direct answer is to apply for an extension of benefits directly with your COBRA plan administrator. An extension seems possible based on your explanation but I would not be qualified to evaluate the medical scenario to offer an opinion as to whether the Medicare disability application is likely to be approved.

If that effort is not successful you may still be eligible for a conversion to individual coverage that they may offer. I find that you must use the term “individual conversion option” when making an inquiry to the member services office so that the representative correctly understands your inquiry.

The Web page at http://www.cobraplan.com/questions/extending-COBRA-coverage.htm was repaired to show the qualifying event chart more easily.

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