Under COBRA, can qualified beneficiaries within the same family elect coverage independently?

• A. Yes, each can elect independently
• B. No, only one election covers the whole family
• C. Only the primary beneficiary can elect
• D. Only with the employer's approval

Answer: (A)

Under COBRA, each qualified beneficiary has the right to elect or waive continuation coverage on their own. The plan administrator must send separate election notices to the employee, the spouse, and each dependent child who is a qualified beneficiary, and each person has an independent 60-day window to decide. Because these rights are vested individually, one family member’s election does not automatically cover others, and coverage can be elected at different times or for different members, as long as premiums are paid. This is why qualified beneficiaries within the same family can elect coverage independently. The other options imply a single family election or require employer approval, which COBRA does not.