When a second qualifying event occurs during the initial 18 months, the maximum coverage can extend to 36 months.

• A. 12 months
• B. 18 months
• C. 24 months
• D. 36 months

Answer: (D)

COBRA continuation coverage lasts 18 months from the date of the qualifying event. If a second qualifying event happens during that initial 18-month period, you can extend the coverage by up to another 18 months, for a total of 36 months from the original qualifying event. The second event could be things like the death of the covered employee, a divorce or legal separation, or a dependent child losing eligibility. The crucial point is timing—the second qualifying event must occur within the first 18 months for the 36-month total to apply. If no second event occurs in that window, coverage ends after 18 months.