When a dependent child loses coverage under a parent's group plan because the child exceeds the plan's maximum dependent age, continuation coverage may be extended for up to:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Under COBRA, a dependent child who loses coverage because of aging out — exceeding the plan's dependent age limit — is entitled to continuation coverage for up to 36 months. The 36-month period is the longer of the COBRA periods and applies specifically to dependent-related qualifying events such as aging out or divorce. In California, Cal-COBRA provides the same 36-month continuation to dependents of employees at smaller employers. The 18-month baseline applies to employment-related events like termination. The extended period is measured from the original qualifying event, and the dependent must pay the full continuation premium including the administrative charge, just as with any COBRA continuation.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Eighteen months is the COBRA period for termination of employment or reduction in hours, not for a dependent aging out.
- C) Twelve months is not a recognized COBRA continuation period for any standard qualifying event.
- D) Six months is not a COBRA period; continuation coverage for qualifying events runs 18 or 36 months.
Memory hook
Aging out is the 36-month door — dependents outgrow the plan, not the COBRA clock.