Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 1/5
Under COBRA, a dependent child who loses coverage because of 'aging out' of the parent's group plan 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
COBRA continuation periods vary by qualifying event. Loss of coverage because the dependent child ceases to be an eligible dependent, commonly called aging out, is a qualifying event that entitles the child to continuation coverage for up to 36 months. The more familiar 18-month period applies to the employee's own loss of coverage due to termination of employment or reduction of hours, and in some cases to the spouse. The 36-month period for dependents who age out is a specific exam number that must not be confused with the standard 18-month rule.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) 18 months is the COBRA continuation period for employees and their spouses after termination of employment or reduction of hours, not for a child who has aged out of dependency.
- C) 6 months is not a COBRA continuation period. Federal COBRA provides continuation periods of 18 or 36 months depending on the qualifying event.
- D) 12 months is not a COBRA period. The statute grants 18 or 36 months of continuation, and dependents who age out receive the longer 36-month period.
Memory hook
Aging out = 36. Fired = 18. Dependents leaving the nest get double the runway.