We have received lots of questions about how COBRA insurance and disability work together.  Basically there are a few key factors that are important to know when thinking about COBRA insurance and disability.  First, under HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), there is a possibility to extend COBRA insurance benefits for an additional 11 months if you become disabled.  However, this disability has to happen within the first 60 days of COBRA insurance coverage.  This will increase the total COBRA term length to 29 months. Additionally, under HIPAA, both you and anyone else covered on your COBRA health insurance plan can extend coverage for that 11 months.  That means your spouse, children, and any other dependents will also be able to stay on COBRA for 29 months.

If you believe you qualify under HIPAA for this COBRA insurance with disability extension, you should contact your plan administrator as soon as possible.  This must be no later than 30 days after the law no longer qualifies you as disabled.