Question

How long must COBRA coverage be continued in the event that employee is disabled at the time of reduction in hours or termination (if required notice is provided to plan administrator in timely manner)

Answer 1

COBRA coverage for a disabled individual at the time of termination or reduction in hours can be extended to a total of 29 months, assuming proper notice is provided to the plan administrator within the required timeframe.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of an employee who is disabled at the time of termination or reduction in hours, COBRA coverage must be provided for an extended period. COBRA, which stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, requires continuation coverage to be offered to eligible employees and their families after certain qualifying events such as job loss or reduced work hours. Under normal circumstances, COBRA coverage lasts for up to 18 months. However, for a disabled individual, as determined by the Social Security Administration, this period can be extended an additional 11 months to a total of 29 months, provided that the plan administrator is notified of the disability within 60 days of the disability determination and before the original 18-month period ends.

It is crucial for the employee or their family to provide timely and proper notice to the plan administrator to ensure they can avail this extended period of COBRA coverage.