A COBRA extension can be triggered by which of the following events?

• A. Employee voluntary resignation
• B. Employee relocation
• C. Employee takes a new job with the same employer
• D. Employee becomes totally disabled

Answer: (D)

The extension aspect of COBRA is the disability extension. Under COBRA, you get 18 months of continued coverage after a qualifying event. If a qualified beneficiary becomes totally disabled and that disability is determined by the Social Security Administration within the first 60 days of COBRA coverage, the continuation can be extended by up to 11 additional months, for a total of 29 months. This disability extension can apply to the employee and other covered dependents.

So, among the common events listed, only total disability triggers the extended period. Voluntary resignation, relocation, or taking a new job with the same employer can start or affect the standard 18-month window, but they do not provide the extra disability extension.