Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund

COBRA requires that continuation coverage extend from the date of the qualifying event for a limited period of 18 or 36 months. The length of time depends on the type of qualifying event that gave rise to the COBRA rights.

When the qualifying event is the covered employees/retirees termination of employment or reduction in hours of employment, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to 18 months of continuation coverage.

When the qualifying event is the end of employment or reduction of the employee’s hours, and the employee became entitled to Medicare less than 18 months before the qualifying event, COBRA coverage for the employee’s spouse and dependents can last until 36 months after the date the employee becomes entitled to Medicare.

For other qualifying events, qualified beneficiaries must be provided 36 months of continuation coverage.