When a dependent child loses coverage under a parent's group plan because the child reaches age 26, the child may continue coverage under COBRA for...
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
The Affordable Care Act allows dependents to remain on a parent's health plan until the child turns 26. Once the child 'ages out' of the group plan for that reason, COBRA continuation coverage is available for up to 36 months — the longest COBRA extension, which is reserved for qualifying events affecting dependents such as death of the covered employee, divorce, and loss of dependent status. By contrast, an employee's own loss of coverage due to termination or reduction in hours generally supports 18 months of continuation. The 36-month aging-out rule is the exact number tested in the dependent coverage section of the A&H outline.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) 18 months is the continuation period for an employee's termination or reduction of hours, not dependent aging out.
- C) 6 months is not a COBRA continuation duration under federal law.
- D) COBRA continuation is time-limited (up to 36 months), not indefinite until Medicare enrollment.
Memory hook
Aging out is the 36-month runway — the longest COBRA qualifying event.