Final answer:
COBRA coverage lasts for 18 months after employment termination or hours reduction, and extends up to 36 months for events like death, divorce, or the loss of dependent status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : c
COBRA coverage timelines are 18 months for termination/reduction of hours, and 36 months for events like death, divorce, enrollment in Medicare, or a dependent losing eligibility. COBRA, which stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, is a health insurance program that allows eligible individuals to continue their employer-provided health care coverage after a qualifying event. One of the most common qualifying events is the termination of employment or a reduction in hours, which typically allows an individual to retain coverage for up to 18 months.
Other qualifying events, such as the death of the covered employee, the covered employee becoming entitled to Medicare, divorce, or a dependent child no longer meeting the eligibility requirements, can extend the COBRA coverage for affected individuals for up to 36 months. It's important to note that COBRA is a temporary solution to healthcare coverage and not intended as a long-term plan, it simply bridges the gap until a more permanent solution can be found, such as through a new employer's plan or the Health Insurance Marketplace.