Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 2/5
Under the ACA's dependent coverage rule, a child who is mentally or physically disabled and incapable of self-support:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why D is correct
The ACA allows children to stay on a parent's health plan until their 26th birthday, but it carves out an exception for a child who is mentally or physically disabled and incapable of self-support. Such a dependent may remain covered beyond the age limit, because the disabled child cannot obtain coverage through employment. Group plans generally require proof of the disability and that it existed on or before the date the dependent would otherwise have lost eligibility.
Why the other options are wrong
- A) The disabled-dependent exception specifically permits continuation beyond age 26; the age limit is not automatic for these children.
- B) COBRA could apply at age loss, but the ACA exception keeps disabled dependents covered as dependents without relying on COBRA.
- C) Medicaid is not the only path; private plan continuation under the ACA exception is available for disabled dependents.
Memory hook
Disabled child cannot self-support = stays on the parent's plan past 26. Disability beats the age limit.