What event triggers the 44-day timeline for delivering the Notice of COBRA rights?

• A. The qualifying event
• B. The employee's birthday
• C. The plan year end
• D. The plan's annual renewal date

Answer: (A)

The 44-day timeline to deliver the Notice of COBRA rights starts when a qualifying event occurs that would result in loss of health coverage. This event—such as termination of employment, a reduction in hours, death of the employee, divorce, or the employee becoming eligible for Medicare—creates COBRA eligibility and triggers the obligation to notify qualified beneficiaries. The plan administrator must send the COBRA rights notice within 44 days after that qualifying event so those affected can elect continuation coverage if desired. The other options—an employee’s birthday, the plan year end, or the plan’s annual renewal date—do not create COBRA eligibility or start this notice clock.