COBRA Notice Requirements & Deadlines

COBRA administration errors are among the most common — and costly — compliance failures for employer health plans. This reference guide covers every required notice (general notice, election notice, notice of unavailability, notice of early termination), qualifying event timelines, the 60-day election period, premium payment rules, and the most common pitfalls that trigger DOL penalties.

Reviewed and updated for plan year 2026 · July 2026