Would you like to...

Print this page

Email this page

Post a comment

Subscribe me

Add to favorites

User Opinions (0 votes)

No users have voted.

---

How would you rate this answer?

Helpful

Not helpful Help us improve. Why was this unhelpful?

Thank you for rating this answer.

Q:  I work full-time and my spouse and I are both covered by my employer’s group insurance. I will turn 65 in August 2008; my spouse will turn 65 in November 2010. Can I get COBRA coverage for both of us from December 2007 until August 2008 (when I go to Medicare) and then for her from August 2008 until November 2010?

A:   The retiring employee and their spouse will be eligible for COBRA continuation for up to a maximum of 18 months.  If the retiring employee becomes eligible for Medicare during this18 months it is a secondary qualifying event.  The spouse will then be able to continue the COBRA for an additional18 months.  The maximum amount of time a spouse can remain on COBRA is 36 months.  The spouse may be eligible for a COBRA conversion policy when the 36 months ends.  You will need to contact the health insurance company to see if she can convert the COBRA to an individual policy.

If you have lost your opportunity for insurance with your past employer and are looking for a short term medical policy you may qualify for an Alternative policy. Click Here for more information.