How long must a plan "remain terminated" for COBRA purposes?

[Guest lawdawg]

If we have a gap in coverage while changing carriers, is this conisidered a termination of the plan, ending coverage for COBRA purposes? At some point this gap should become large enough that it qualifies as a termination. How long? Has anyone confronted this issue? Thougts? Authority? Thanks!

[Larry M]

I understand COBRA requires the qualified beneficiaries be allowed to have the same coverage available to active employees.

If there is a gap for actives, then the q.b.'s have the same gap.

For example, if the coverage stops for two months and then the employer starts up with a new plan, the q.b.'s should be entitled to return to the new plan for the balance of their period (with no extension because of the gap).