Q.- I am a COBRA continuant and I am enrolling in Medicare. My initial qualifying event was termination of employment. Since my wife and children were covered under my employer's plan at my termination, they also elected to continue coverage under COBRA. When I enroll in Medicare, does anything happen to the COBRA coverage of my wife and children?
A.- Probably not. If under your former employer's plan, your wife and children would not have lost coverage if you enrolled in Medicare, your loss of COBRA coverage due to Medicare enrollment will not be a second qualifying event for your wife and children. They will continue to be eligible for a maximum 18 month continuation coverage period from the date of the loss of coverage in connection with your termination of employment.
