How does aging out or loss of dependent status affect COBRA rights?

• A. The loss of dependent status ends COBRA rights immediately, with no continuation.
• B. The loss of dependent status requires the employer to automatically enroll in a new plan.
• C. The dependent may elect COBRA upon losing dependent status; continuation period follows the 18/36-month framework.
• D. The loss triggers a HIPAA reset.

Answer: (C)

Aging out or losing dependent status creates a COBRA qualifying event. That means the dependent has the right to elect to continue the same employer-sponsored coverage under COBRA. The usual continuation length is 18 months from the date of that qualifying event, but it can extend to up to 36 months if a second qualifying event occurs during the initial period. In practical terms, the dependent can choose COBRA to maintain coverage, and the total possible duration is governed by the 18-month rule with potential extension to 36 months under the right circumstances. Note that this is not automatic enrollment into a new plan, and HIPAA does not reset COBRA rights.