How long does COBRA usually last after job loss?

For termination of employment or reduction in hours, federal COBRA commonly provides a maximum period of 18 months. The plan notice controls.

Can COBRA extend to 29 months?

A disability extension may increase the maximum period from 18 to 29 months when statutory requirements and notice deadlines are met.

Does exhausting COBRA create a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period?

Loss of coverage because COBRA is exhausted may qualify for a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period. Voluntarily ending COBRA early generally does not.

How Long Does COBRA Last? 18, 29 & 36 Months

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Quick answer: Federal COBRA commonly provides a maximum of 18 months after termination of employment or reduction in hours. A qualifying disability extension may increase that to 29 months. Certain events affecting spouses or dependent children can allow up to 36 months. These are maximum periods, not guarantees; the plan notice and facts control.

Common federal maximum periods

Maximum	Common situation
18 months	Termination of employment (other than gross misconduct) or reduction in hours.
29 months	A disability extension when the statutory disability and notice requirements are met.
36 months	For a spouse or dependent child after certain events such as death of the covered employee, divorce or legal separation, Medicare entitlement in specified circumstances, or a child losing dependent status.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee’s Guide to Health Benefits Under COBRA explains these periods and notice rules.

How the 29-month disability extension works

A Social Security Administration disability determination can support an extension from 18 to 29 months if the statutory timing and plan-notice requirements are satisfied. The disability must fall within the period specified by federal law, and the plan must receive timely notice. Do not rely on a general summary for a deadline; review the election notice and contact the administrator.

How a second event can affect dependents

A second qualifying event during an 18-month continuation period can extend coverage for an affected spouse or dependent child to a total maximum of 36 months from the original qualifying event, when all requirements are met. The second event must be one that would have caused a loss of coverage absent the first event, and timely notice may be required.

A child’s loss of dependent status—including aging out under the plan—can itself be a qualifying event that permits up to 36 months of COBRA for that child.

When COBRA can end early

Required premiums are not paid on time.
The employer stops maintaining any group health plan.
After electing COBRA, the beneficiary becomes covered under another group health plan, subject to the federal rule’s details.
After electing COBRA, the beneficiary becomes entitled to Medicare, subject to the facts and applicable rule.
For cause when the plan could terminate coverage of a similarly situated active participant.

Medicare timing can be fact-specific. Medicare entitlement before or after the qualifying event can affect different family members differently. Ask the plan administrator and Medicare for guidance about the actual sequence.

Florida continuation coverage

Florida law can provide continuation rights for certain fully insured small-employer group plans that are not subject to federal COBRA. Under Florida Statute §627.6692, written notice is generally due within 63 days after coverage ends. After the insurer gives the required notice, the election and initial payment are generally due within 30 days. The premium can be up to 115% of the group rate.

Florida continuation is generally available for up to 18 months, with a possible disability extension to 29 months when the statutory requirements are met. Applicability and deadlines depend on the plan and facts; consult the statute, insurer, or administrator.

What happens when COBRA is exhausted?

Loss of coverage because the maximum COBRA period is exhausted may create a Marketplace Special Enrollment Period. Voluntarily cancelling COBRA or stopping payment early generally does not by itself create one. Check HealthCare.gov before ending coverage.

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Frequently asked questions

Does COBRA always last 18 months?

No. Eighteen months is a common maximum for job loss or reduced hours, but extensions and other qualifying events can produce different maximum periods.

Does getting a new job automatically end COBRA?

Not merely getting a job. Coverage under another group health plan after electing COBRA may allow early termination under the federal rule. Confirm the actual coverage date and terms with both plans.

Does COBRA exhaustion open Marketplace enrollment?

It may. Voluntary cancellation before exhaustion generally does not. Use the Marketplace for an official determination.

Related resources

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Disclosure: General educational information only; not legal, tax, or medical advice, an eligibility decision, or a binding quote. Caden Douglas is not HealthCare.gov and is not affiliated with or endorsed by a government agency. Caden Douglas may receive insurer compensation. Appointments and products vary, and he does not represent every plan. Confirm rules, costs, deadlines, and eligibility with the responsible plan, insurer, Marketplace, or agency. Report corrections through douglasinsurancegrp.com.