Is it true that regular Cobra coverage period has been extended to 36 months starting in 2005?

Answer

There's Cal-Cobra for CA which provides that. http://www.steveshorr.com/cal.cobra.36.months.htm

I don't find it for Federal COBRA

How long does COBRA coverage last?

COBRA establishes required periods of coverage for continuation health benefits. A plan, however, may provide longer periods of coverage beyond those required by COBRA. COBRA beneficiaries generally are eligible for group coverage during a maximum of 18 months for qualifying events due to employment termination or reduction of hours of work. Certain qualifying events, or a second qualifying event during the initial period of coverage, may permit a beneficiary to receive a maximum of 36 months of coverage.

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.html

For more info see www.SteveShorr.com/cobra.htm

Attorney's summary of COBRA changes for 1/2005 http://www.gcglaw.com/resources/benefits/cobra.html

First answer by Steveshorr. Last edit by Steveshorr. Contributor trust: 424 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 44 [recommend question]