A dependent child loses coverage under a parent's group health plan solely because the child has reached the plan's age limit for dependents. Under COBRA, this child may continue coverage 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 would lose group coverage because of a qualifying event is entitled to continuation coverage for up to 36 months. The aging out of a dependent is expressly a 36-month qualifying event, longer than the 18-month period that applies to an employee's termination or reduction of hours. The child must generally pay up to 102% of the group premium for the continuation period. This rule is important because a young adult who ages out of the plan needs a bridge to other coverage, and COBRA provides the longest continuation window for that situation.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) 18 months is the continuation period for an employee's own qualifying event such as termination of employment or reduction of hours, not for a dependent aging out.
- C) 12 months is not a COBRA continuation period under the statute; COBRA uses 18, 29, and 36-month windows.
- D) 6 months is not a COBRA continuation period and would leave the dependent with no statutory bridge to new coverage.
Memory hook
Child hits the age limit: COBRA keeps the door open for the longest window, 36 months.