What determines if spouses and dependent children are covered?

• A. The employee must enroll them within 30 days.
• B. A qualified beneficiary is a person (spouse, dependent, or child) covered by the employer's group health plan on the day before a qualifying event.
• C. Spouses are covered only if they are age under 26.
• D. They are always covered regardless of the qualifying event.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is who qualifies to keep coverage under COBRA after a triggering event. Spouses and dependent children can continue the employer’s group health plan only if they were enrolled in that plan the day before the qualifying event occurred. This continued eligibility is what defines a “qualified beneficiary” under COBRA. Once they’re identified as qualified beneficiaries, they have the right to elect COBRA continuation coverage (by the required election deadline and while paying the premiums) for a limited period.

So the correct concept isn’t about enrolling within 30 days, nor about an age limit of 26 for spouses, nor about automatic coverage after a qualifying event. Those factors don’t determine COBRA eligibility; being covered on the day before the event does.