Would like to know how Medicare Entitlement length of coverage currently works when it's a secondary event.

Was told years ago that as a secondary event it would ADD 36 months to the date of the secondary event vs. where most secondary events (divorce, death) extend the 36 months from the date of the initial event. Hence, with Med. Entit. there could be a situation where a Cobra Beneficiary could receive 54 months of Cobra coverage if the Medicare Entitlement occured in the final month of coverage from the initial event. (18 months + 36 months)

Now, from what all I've read, it seems like the maximum time for coverage for ANY event (initial or secondary) combined can not be greater than 36 months. Is this correct?

Did the original method change (and when) or was I told incorrectly?
Thanks!!

Maximum COBRA coverage 36 months.

I agree, the maximum is 36 months. But I know why you heard 54 months. There was a drafting error in one of the amendments to COBRA that, if applied literally, could result in the 54 month period. Everyone knew it was a mistake (i.e., Congress did not intend a 54 month period), but it took several years for Congress to correct the statute.