COBRA provides health benefit extensions for ____________ after employment is terminated.

COBRA, or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, allows employees and their families to continue receiving health insurance coverage after employment is terminated under certain circumstances. The correct duration for extensions provided by COBRA is 18 months. This applies to situations where an employee's job is involuntarily terminated or where the employee reduces hours and thereby loses coverage eligibility.

It's important to note that while COBRA typically provides an 18-month extension, there are specific conditions, such as disability or other qualifying events, that might allow for longer coverage periods of up to 36 months. However, the standard continuation period after termination of employment is indeed 18 months. This knowledge is key for understanding how COBRA works and the protections it affords employees in transition.