If elected, COBRA coverage begins on the date your coverage as an active employee ends. For dependents who no longer satisfy the requirements for dependent coverage, COBRA coverage begins on the date their dependent coverage ends. However, coverage won't take effect unless COBRA coverage is elected and the required premium is received by the COBRA administrator. The maximum duration of COBRA coverage depends on the reason you or your covered dependents are eligible for COBRA coverage.

If group health coverage ends because your employment ends or your work hours are reduced, COBRA coverage may continue for you and your covered spouse and dependents for up to 18 months.

COBRA coverage for your covered spouse and dependents may continue for up to 36 months if coverage would otherwise end because:

One exception to the rules above is that COBRA coverage under your health care flexible spending account (FSA) cannot extend beyond the end of the calendar year in which your initial qualifying event occurs. No extensions, including any described "Second Qualifying Events", can apply to extend health care FSA COBRA coverage beyond that date.

If your COBRA eligibility is because you are a retired employee and IQVIA files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, you and your covered dependents may continue COBRA for the duration of your life, after you die, your spouse or child may continue coverage for an additional 36 months.