Q:  I just lost my job and in Feb. I turned 65 so I signed up for Medicare but at that time I was covered by my company group plan. My company agreed to pay 6 months of COBRA for me however I think I read where you can't be under COBRA if you are 65, is this correct? If so, what do I do for my wife and three kids all under 16 yrs. old?


A:   Being entitled for Medicare is a qualifying event. Meaning, if you are coming off the employer's group health plan because you are entitled to elect Medicare, your dependants have the right to elect COBRA coverage for up to 36 months. If you are coming off of your COBRA insurance, which would also be a second qualifying event, the beneficiaries could elect COBRA for 36 months from the date you were taken off.