What Happens When My COBRA Expires If I Am in the Hospital?

COBRA insurance is available to people that have lost their health insurance. COBRA is a short term for the U.S. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Most employers are required to offer the opportunity to continue the group health care for up to 18 months, but certain criteria must be met.

Criteria for COBRA

• There are three qualifying events to allow COBRA benefits. The employee's company must fit the criteria; the employee must be covered by the group health plan; and the employee must lose the health plan due to the loss of employment, or a reduction in work hours.

COBRA Expiration

• According to George Fox, an employee with the COBRA Health Center, benefits expire after 18 months. If you are in the hospital, and they expire, you're eligible for a Guarantee Issue Major Medical Plan.

Guarantee Issue Plan

• A Guarantee Issue Major Medical Plan has limited medical benefits, and helps people that have pre-existing conditions. Fox says that they will cover an individual starting the day COBRA expires.