Under OBRA, how long can coverage be extended if a former employee is disabled at the time of termination?

Under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), coverage can be extended for individuals who become disabled within a certain timeframe after their employment ends. Specifically, if a former employee is disabled at the time of termination, the maximum period for which they can continue their health insurance coverage under COBRA is 29 months. This is an important provision because it recognizes that disabled individuals may require a longer period of health coverage to maintain access to necessary medical care as they navigate their situation.

The 29-month extension applies if the employee was determined to be disabled by the Social Security Administration during the first 60 days of their COBRA continuation coverage. This additional coverage is designed to offer essential support and security for those who are facing health challenges after losing their employer-sponsored insurance.

Other timeframes provided in the question reflect standard COBRA continuation periods, which typically allow for 18 months of continuation coverage for other circumstances, and 36 months for certain qualifying events, but those don't pertain to the situation of disability following termination as outlined in OBRA.