After a qualifying event occurs, what action must the plan administrator take regarding COBRA rights, within the required timeframe?

• A. Provide an election notice informing rights to COBRA within 14 days
• B. Submit a quarterly report to the IRS within 14 days
• C. Update the employee’s medical records within 14 days
• D. Notify the insurer within 14 days of the event

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is the timely notification of COBRA rights by sending an election notice. When a qualifying event occurs, the plan administrator must provide the qualified beneficiary with an election notice within 14 days. This notice explains that COBRA continuation coverage is available, how to elect it, the cost, and the election process. It also starts the 60-day window for choosing whether to enroll in COBRA.

This requirement exists to ensure beneficiaries have a clear, formal path to continue coverage and understand their options without delay. The other options aren’t about notifying the beneficiary of COBRA rights, so they don’t meet the key obligation after a qualifying event.