Which event qualifies a spouse for COBRA continuation?

• A. The employee becomes entitled to Medicare.
• B. The spouse wins a lottery.
• C. The spouse changes legal guardianship.
• D. The employee moves to another state.

Answer: (A)

Becoming entitled to Medicare is a qualifying event that allows a spouse to elect COBRA continuation. Under COBRA, when a qualifying event would cause loss of coverage under the employer’s group plan, a spouse (and other dependents) can choose to continue that coverage for a limited period. If the employee becomes eligible for Medicare, the employer plan typically ends the employee’s coverage, which in turn creates the opportunity for the spouse to elect COBRA to maintain coverage. The other scenarios listed do not trigger COBRA because they do not cause the employer’s plan to terminate or suspend coverage for the spouse.