When does COBRA coverage begin and end?

COBRA coverage begins on the date that health care coverage would otherwise have been lost by reason of a qualifying event and will end at the end of the maximum period. It may end earlier if:

• Premiums are not paid on a timely basis
• The employer ceases to maintain any group health plan

After the COBRA election, coverage is obtained with another employer group health plan that does not contain any exclusion or limitation with respect to any pre-existing condition of such beneficiary. However, if other group health coverage is obtained prior to the COBRA election, COBRA coverage may not be discontinued, even if the other coverage continues after the COBRA election.

After the COBRA election, a beneficiary becomes entitled to Medicare benefits. However, if Medicare is obtained prior to COBRA election, COBRA coverage may not be discontinued, even if the other coverage continues after the COBRA election.