What potential COBRA benefit can a second qualifying event provide?

• A. Automatic health coverage beyond 36 months.
• B. Extended COBRA coverage beyond the initial period.
• C. Premium reductions for the employee.
• D. Enrollment in a new plan without a qualifying event.

Answer: (B)

A second qualifying event lengthens the time you can keep COBRA coverage beyond the initial period. Normally, COBRA continuation runs for 18 months, but if a second qualifying event occurs—such as the death of the covered employee, a divorce or legal separation, a dependent losing coverage, or the employee becoming entitled to Medicare—the period can be extended by up to an additional 18 months. That means a total of up to 36 months of COBRA coverage from the start date, not longer. This is why the best choice is that a second qualifying event provides extended COBRA coverage beyond the initial period. It doesn’t automatically grant coverage beyond 36 months, it doesn’t offer premium reductions, and enrollment in a new plan still requires a qualifying event.