Former employer- COBRA denial

Continuing coverage rules apply to small employers who in the previous calendar year had more than 20 employees on a typical day. If your former employer had more than 20 employees on a typical day then your former employer can not deny you COBRA coverage because your wife has a group health plan.
COBRA is continuing coverage for health plans that is offered a employee upon his or her leaving a company.
Usually the COBRA coverage can last up to 18 months. Generally, The cost of the COBRA coverage will be paid by the employee.