This depends if your state has a “mini-COBRA” (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) law. This law works like the traditional COBRA but in most cases for a shorter period of time. Some states with mini-COBRA laws have recently extended the length of coverage to take advantage of the full nine months worth of subsidies on offer.

Oregon, Texas and Vermont also have legislation pending to extend coverage to at least nine months. Other states with mini-COBRA laws have always had the nine months while some such as California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North and South Dakota continues for up to 36 months. Note that South Dakota premiums increase 150% after 18 months.