14.9 COBRA QUICK REFERENCE CHART
The following chart summarizes the circumstances under which health benefits can be continued, and the maximum duration of COBRA:
Qualifying
Event |
Qualified
Beneficiary |
Maximum
Continuation Period |
(1)
Loss of benefits caused by reduction in Eligible Employee’s hours |
Employee and Dependents |
18 months after loss of benefits* |
(2)
Loss of benefits caused by termination of Eligible Employee’s employment except for gross misconduct |
Employee and Dependents |
18 months after loss of benefits* |
(3)
Loss of benefits caused by death of Eligible Employee or Retired Participant |
Dependents |
36 months after Qualifying Event |
(4)
Loss of benefits caused by divorce of Eligible Employee or Retired Participant |
Dependents |
36 months after Qualifying Event |
(5)
Loss of benefits caused by child losing dependent child status under Plan |
Dependent child |
36 months after Qualifying Event |
(6)
Entitlement to Medicare within 18 months before a Qualifying Event described in (1) or (2). |
Dependents |
Later of: (1) 36 mo. from Medicare entitlement, or (2) 18 months from date of loss of coverage due to original Qualifying Event |
* If a Qualified Beneficiary is disabled at any time before or during the first 60 days of COBRA coverage, COBRA coverage may continue for up to 29 months.
If a second Qualifying Event occurs within 18 months of a Qualifying Event described in (1) or (2), COBRA coverage may be extended for up to a maximum of 36 months from the date of the first Qualifying Event.
If there is any conflict between these provisions and COBRA, the minimum requirements of COBRA shall govern.
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