When must a plan deliver Notices of COBRA rights to qualified beneficiaries?

• A. Within 44 days after the qualifying event.
• B. Within 30 days after the event.
• C. Within 90 days of enrollment.
• D. On the first day of COBRA eligibility.

Answer: (A)

Notices of COBRA rights must be delivered promptly after the event that creates COBRA eligibility, specifically within 44 days after the qualifying event. This deadline ensures qualified beneficiaries are informed in time to decide whether to elect COBRA continuation coverage, which they may do within the 60-day election period that starts when the notice is provided. The other timing options don’t match the required rule: 30 days is too short, 90 days of enrollment doesn’t relate to when the notice must be sent, and waiting until COBRA eligibility begins isn’t the mandated trigger.