What is the maximum duration of COBRA coverage with the disability extension and second event?

• A. Up to 36 months in the case of a second qualifying event; up to 29 months with the disability extension (and then 36 months if a second event occurs).
• B. A fixed 18 months regardless of events.
• C. 12 months in all cases.
• D. 48 months if a second event occurs.

Answer: (A)

COBRA continuation for a qualifying event normally lasts 18 months. If the beneficiary is determined disabled, an 11-month disability extension can be added, bringing the total to 29 months. If a second qualifying event occurs at any time during the original or extended period, the coverage can continue up to 36 months from the original qualifying event. So the maximum duration with the disability extension and the possibility of a second event is 36 months, with 29 months available specifically for the disability extension, and 36 months if a second qualifying event occurs. This aligns with the rule that a second event can trigger the longer 36-month period.