Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 1/5
COBRA continuation coverage must generally be made available for how long after a qualifying event such as termination of employment?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
COBRA generally requires group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees to offer continuation coverage for 18 months following a qualifying event such as termination of employment or reduction of hours. The qualifying individual pays up to 102% of the plan's cost. Certain events extend the period — for example, a second qualifying event can extend coverage to 36 months, and disability can add 11 months. The 18-month period is the baseline continuation entitlement for employment-related qualifying events.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Six months is not a COBRA continuation period; the baseline is 18 months.
- C) Thirty-six months applies when a second qualifying event occurs or for certain dependent events, not to the initial termination of employment.
- D) Sixty months exceeds any COBRA continuation period; coverage cannot be extended to five years.
Memory hook
COBRA after the pink slip = 18 months of staying on the group plan, paid for by you.