What effect does a second qualifying event have on the COBRA continuation period?

• A. A second qualifying event never affects the duration.
• B. A second qualifying event resets to 12 months.
• C. A second qualifying event can extend the total COBRA continuation to 36 months.
• D. A second event ends COBRA immediately.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how a second qualifying event changes how long you can stay on COBRA. Normally, COBRA continuation lasts 18 months after a qualifying event. If a second qualifying event happens during that first 18 months (for example, the covered employee dies, or there’s a divorce or the dependent loses eligibility), the continuation period can be extended. This extension brings the total possible COBRA coverage to 36 months from the date of the original qualifying event. It doesn’t reset the clock to a new 12 months, and it doesn’t end COBRA immediately; it simply allows up to an additional 18 months, for a maximum of 36 months, provided premiums are paid and the plan allows the extension.