What notices must a plan provide in a COBRA scenario?

• A. General notice of COBRA rights to all eligible employees within 90 days of coverage; and an election notice to each qualified beneficiary within 44 days after a qualifying event.
• B. General notice within 60 days of coverage; and election notice within 30 days after the qualifying event.
• C. Notice of premium due dates only.
• D. General notice of COBRA rights within 30 days after coverage; and election notice within 60 days after qualifying event.

Answer: (A)

COBRA requires two separate notices to keep covered individuals informed and able to act. First, a general notice of COBRA rights must be provided to each eligible employee within 90 days after coverage begins, so people know that continuation coverage is available and what their basic rights are. Then, an election notice must be given to every qualified beneficiary within 44 days after a qualifying event occurs, laying out how to elect COBRA, the deadlines, and what happens if they choose to enroll or not.

This combination aligns with the actual rules and ensures participants have timely information and a clear election window. The other options miss key elements or use incorrect timeframes, such as focusing only on premium due dates or proposing different deadlines that don’t match the mandated 90-day general notice and 44-day election notice.