State RegulationsMA specificDifficulty 2/5
A qualified beneficiary receiving continuation coverage under the Massachusetts small-group rules is determined to be disabled under Social Security guidelines during the initial continuation period. What does the law provide?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Under M.G.L. c. 176J, § 9, as explained in the Massachusetts Division of Insurance's Mini-COBRA continuation guidance, a qualified beneficiary determined disabled under Social Security guidelines during the initial continuation period may have the 18-month continuation extended to 29 months, with the qualified beneficiary giving the required notice of the disability determination. The extension is the statutory mechanism that recognizes the disabled beneficiary's heightened need for continuity of coverage.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Thirty-six months is tied to the death, divorce, Medicare, and dependent-ceases events, not to the Social Security disability extension under M.G.L. c. 176J, § 9.
- C) The statute expressly allows the extension beyond the initial 18 months for a qualified beneficiary with a Social Security disability determination.
- D) The disability extension is not limited to employees; a qualified beneficiary — which can include a dependent — whose Social Security disability determination is timely noticed can receive the extension.
Memory hook
Social Security says disabled: 18 becomes 29 for that qualified beneficiary.