Guides ยท Last reviewed October 28, 2026
COBRA continuation coverage: the deadlines that matter
COBRA gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to continue group coverage for limited periods. The deadlines are short: 60 days to elect and 45 days to make your first payment.
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Key deadlines (per the U.S. Department of Labor)
- Election period: 60 days, starting when your coverage ends or when the election notice is provided or mailed, whichever is later.
- First payment: you have 45 days after you elect COBRA. The initial payment has no grace period.
- Later payments: a 30-day grace period after each due date.
- Election notice: sent within 44 days after a qualifying event in the typical case, and 14 days after notice of a divorce or loss of dependent status.
How long COBRA lasts
- 18 months after termination or reduction in hours
- 29 months with a disability extension, which adds 11 months
- 36 months for certain other qualifying events and second qualifying events
Who is covered
The DOL says COBRA applies to private-sector employers and employee organizations with 20 or more employees, and to state and local governments. Some state "mini-COBRA" laws may cover smaller employers. You may have to pay the full cost of coverage, so compare it to other options.
Compare before you decide
Losing job-based coverage can also open a Special Enrollment Period for a Marketplace plan, generally 60 days. Dropping COBRA voluntarily doesn't qualify for one, so decide on purpose. If a bill arrives for care while your COBRA election is pending, ask the provider and your plan administrator how it will be processed, and keep all letters.
Common questions
How long do I have to elect COBRA?
The DOL says 60 days, starting when coverage ends or when the election notice is provided or mailed, whichever is later.
When is the first COBRA payment due?
The DOL says you have 45 days after you elect COBRA to make your first payment. Ongoing payments have a 30-day grace period after each due date.
How long can I keep COBRA?
Up to 18 months after termination or reduced hours, 29 months with a disability extension, or 36 months for certain other events.
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Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor: FAQs on COBRA continuation health coverage for workers
- U.S. Department of Labor: COBRA
Your election notice states your exact dates. Use it, not this page, for your own deadlines. Billmira is a self-help information tool, not a law firm, and this isn't legal, tax, or medical advice. Rules change and plans differ; check the official sources above and your own documents.