When does the 60-day COBRA election period start?

• A. The date of the qualifying event.
• B. The date the election notice is provided to the beneficiary.
• C. The date coverage would end.
• D. The later of the date of the qualifying event or the date the election notice is provided.

Answer: (D)

The clock for choosing COBRA coverage starts when both triggers have occurred: there is a qualifying event that could end coverage, and the beneficiary has received the COBRA election notice. The 60-day election period begins on the later of those two dates.

For example, if the qualifying event happens on January 1 but the notice isn’t provided until January 15, the 60-day period starts January 15. If the notice arrives on the same day as the event, the start is January 1. This rule ensures the beneficiary has a full 60 days to decide after they’re actually informed, rather than just after the event occurs.