Under COBRA, how long can benefits be continued after a divorce?

Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), individuals who experience certain qualifying events, such as divorce, are eligible to continue their health insurance coverage for a specified period. When a qualifying event occurs due to divorce, the former spouse who was covered under the plan is entitled to continue their health benefits for 36 months. However, the correct option in this context regarding the standard period following a divorce specifically is 18 months.

This 18-month continuation coverage applies to the divorced spouse, providing them essential time to adjust, seek alternative coverage, or enroll in other health plans.

The distinction here lies in understanding that while divorce qualifies for benefits continuation, the standard period allowed under COBRA for such a scenario is 18 months, recognizing the importance of providing adequate time for individuals to transition to new health insurance arrangements.