When does the COBRA election period begin and end?

• A. Begins on the date of plan enrollment; ends on plan expiration
• B. Begins on plan start; ends after 90 days
• C. Begins on the date coverage ends; ends when paid
• D. Begins on the later of the qualifying event date or the election notice date; ends 60 days later

Answer: (D)

COBRA election timing depends on two dates: when the qualifying event occurs and when you’re given the election notice. The window to elect coverage starts on the later of those two dates and lasts 60 days. In practice, if the qualifying event happens and you’re promptly notified about COBRA rights, the countdown begins from whichever happens later, and you must elect within 60 days after that start date. After you elect, you’ll typically need to pay premiums to keep the coverage. The other options miss how the timing is triggered or use an incorrect window length (enrollment date, plan start, or a 90-day period) rather than the correct later-of dates with a 60-day window.