How long are the 44-day notice and 60-day election periods, and from what dates do they run?

• A. Notices of rights must be provided within 44 days after the qualifying event; the 60-day election period runs from the later of the event date or the notice date.
• B. Notices must be sent within 60 days; elections within 44 days.
• C. Notices 30 days; elections 60 days, from the event date.
• D. Notices 45 days; elections 61 days, from the notice date.

Answer: (A)

The timing hinges on two windows: when the rights notice must go out, and when the beneficiary can begin choosing COBRA coverage. The plan administrator must provide the COBRA rights notice within 44 days after the qualifying event. The 60-day election period then begins at the later of the event date or the date the notice is provided, and lasts for 60 days from that later date. This ensures the beneficiary has a full 60 days to elect COBRA, regardless of when the notice is issued relative to the event.