COBRA eligibility after a qualifying event depends on which condition of the plan from the day before the event?

• A. Plan actually covered the individual
• B. Plan paid premiums
• C. Plan is in effect
• D. Plan's renewal date

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that COBRA eligibility depends on whether the person was actually covered by the employer’s group health plan immediately before the qualifying event. If the individual was enrolled and had coverage on the day before the event, they are eligible to elect COBRA continuation. Premium payments, the plan being in effect in general, or the plan’s renewal date do not by themselves establish eligibility. The crucial factor is the coverage status of the person on the day before the qualifying event; if they weren’t covered then, COBRA eligibility typically wouldn’t apply.