Life & Health Insurance Exam (National Portion)Federal RegulationsHard
A large employer provides a group health plan to its employees. A former employee, who was covered under this plan, passed away. The surviving spouse and dependent children wish to continue their health coverage. Under COBRA, what is the maximum period for which the surviving family members can typically elect to continue coverage due to the employee's death?
- A12 months
- B29 months
- C36 months
- D18 months
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 36 months
Under COBRA, the death of a covered employee is a qualifying event that allows the surviving spouse and dependent children to elect continuation coverage for a maximum period of 36 months.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 12 months is not a standard COBRA maximum duration for any qualifying event.
- B. 29 months is the maximum duration for a qualified beneficiary who is determined to be disabled by the Social Security Administration.
- D. 18 months is the typical maximum duration for termination of employment or reduction in hours.
COBRA Maximum Duration (Death)
When an employee dies, their surviving spouse and dependent children can elect COBRA continuation coverage for a maximum of 36 months.
- Death of employee is a COBRA qualifying event.
- Other 36-month events include divorce/legal separation and loss of dependent status.
- 18 months is for termination/reduced hours; 29 months for disability extension.
Memory trick: 18 for job loss, 29 for a pause, 36 for family's cause.