How does a disability determination affect the COBRA period?

• A. SSA disability adds up to 9 months to the 18-month period.
• B. Disability reduces the continuation period to 12 months.
• C. Disability has no effect on the COBRA period.
• D. SSA disability can add up to 11 months to the 18-month period, for total up to 29 months.

Answer: (D)

Disability status can permanently extend COBRA coverage. If the Social Security Administration determines that you are disabled, the COBRA continuation period can be lengthened by up to 11 months beyond the standard 18 months, giving a total of up to 29 months of coverage. This extension is designed to help ensure you have health coverage while your disability is being evaluated and treated. Without a disability determination, you stay at the normal 18 months. The other options either propose a shorter extension, a reduction in the period, or no effect at all, which don’t reflect how the disability extension works.