Cobra available for longer than 18 months?

[Guest Lani McCloskey]

If I turn 60 while I am enrolled in the initial 18 months of Cobra, am I eligible to continue this coverage past the 18 months, until I reach Medicare age?

Is this a state-to-state issue. We live in IL. Thanks.

[Mary C]

Federal regulations concerning COBRA state its only available to you for 18 months if you lose coverage due to a termination of employment (for example, your retirement is a termination of employment). These regulations do not vary from state to state.

However, most states have continuation of coverage regulations that apply to insurance companies operating within the state. The state continuation provisions may be more liberal or more restrictive than COBRA and do not apply to plans that are self-insured by the employer. While Illinois law may allow certain spouses to continue coverage longer than 18 months in the event of the employees retirement or death, it does not address coverage for the retiree. You should check your summary plan description, certificate of coverage from your carrier and call your former employer or your insurance carrier for specific questions.