Q:I am 63 years old and have recently been diagnosed with depression. I also have history of breast cancer that was last treated 2 years ago. I am planning to apply for disability and as I understand I can continue by health coverage for 18 months under cobra. I would like to know if I am eligible to extend my cobra coverage after 18 months is exhausted until I become eligible for Medicare.
A: There are only a few ways that a person would be able to extend their COBRA coverage.
1. If you are deemed legally disabled before or within the first 60 days of COBRA coverage, you are eligible for an additional 11 months. The total coverage time would be up to 29 months.
2. If at any time during the continuation coverage have encountered another qualifying event.
Generally, multiple qualifying events are subject to the spouse and/or dependents. Here is a list of events:
--Death of covered employee
--Employee's entitlement to Medicare
--Divorce or legal separation from covered employee
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