Under federal COBRA, a dependent child who loses coverage because he or she exceeds the plan's maximum age for dependent coverage may continue group coverage for how long?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Under COBRA, the duration of continuation coverage depends on the qualifying event. The general rule is 18 months for the covered employee following termination of employment or reduction of hours. A dependent's loss of coverage due to a qualifying event, including a child aging out of dependent coverage, entitles the dependent to 36 months of continuation coverage. Coverage is extended to 29 months when a qualified beneficiary is determined disabled under Social Security during the first 60 days of continuation. The 36-month figure for dependent loss of eligibility is the verified exam number for the COBRA portion of the federal legislative impact anchor (AH-III.B.4).
Why the other options are wrong
- B) 18 months is the general COBRA continuation period for a covered employee whose coverage ends because of termination of employment or a reduction of hours. The dependent who ages out of the plan faces a different qualifying event and receives a longer continuation period.
- C) 12 months is not a COBRA continuation period. It corresponds to the HIPAA maximum preexisting condition exclusion for group health plans, which is a different federal rule governing portability rather than continuation of coverage.
- D) 29 months applies when a qualified beneficiary is determined to be disabled under Social Security within the first 60 days of continuation. The aging-out dependent scenario without a disability determination is entitled to the standard 36-month period.
Memory hook
Aging out of the group gets 36 months under COBRA; termination gets 18.