Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
Which of the following is a qualifying event that can trigger COBRA continuation coverage under a group health plan?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
COBRA provides continuation coverage to qualified beneficiaries when coverage would otherwise be lost due to a qualifying event, which includes termination of employment (other than for gross misconduct), reduction in hours, the covered employee's death, divorce or legal separation, loss of dependent status, or the employee becoming entitled to Medicare. These events trigger 18 or 36 months of continuation coverage depending on the event. COBRA is a legislative impact on group health insurance tested under AH-III.B.4, and identifying qualifying events is a core requirement.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Switching between plan designs within the same employer coverage is not a COBRA qualifying event.
- C) Reaching age 50 does not cause a loss of coverage and is not a qualifying event.
- D) Employer administrative filings do not trigger continuation rights.
Memory hook
COBRA triggers: job loss, fewer hours, death, divorce, dependent aging out.