What is the duration of the COBRA continuation for a qualified beneficiary?
• Ans: Generally, the duration of continuation coverage that must be provided under a plan depends upon the qualifying event that caused the loss of coverage. If the qualifying event is termination of employment or reduction of hours, the maximum continuation coverage is 18 months after the qualifying event. If an insured is determined to be totally disabled within 60 days of the qualifying event the maximum is 29 months. For all other qualifying events, the maximum coverage is 36 months after the qualifying event. However, the 18/29/36 month period may end sooner due to the following reasons: (1) timely premium payment is not made to the plan for a qualified beneficiary; (2) the employer ceases to maintain any group health plan (including successor plans); (3) the qualified beneficiary is actually covered under any other group health plan that is not maintained by the employer, even if that other coverage is less comprehensive than COBRA continuation coverage; or (4) the qualified ben
