Which event triggers a COBRA qualifying event for a spouse or dependent?

• A. The employee retires.
• B. The plan administrator changes premiums.
• C. The spouse becomes eligible for Medicare.
• D. The employee changes jobs.

Answer: (C)

A COBRA qualifying event is a change in circumstances that would cause a loss of health coverage under the group plan, so the affected person can elect COBRA to continue coverage for a limited time. When a spouse becomes eligible for Medicare, the spouse’s coverage under the employer’s plan would typically end, triggering the right to elect COBRA to keep coverage for a set period. The other options don’t directly create a COBRA right for a spouse or dependent: retirement or changing jobs changes the employee’s own coverage status (though it can lead to COBRA for the employee and dependents), and a plan premium change is not itself a qualifying event.