Final answer:
Dependents may be covered under COBRA for up to 36 months if the insured's coverage is terminated due to legal separation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), dependents of an insured individual who experiences a qualifying event, such as termination of coverage due to legal separation, have the option to continue healthcare coverage. The coverage for dependents can be extended for a maximum period of 36 months under the COBRA plan. This provision ensures that individuals, including their dependents, have a temporary extension of health coverage after certain qualifying events that would otherwise lead to the termination of their health insurance.
The 36-month duration provides a crucial buffer for dependents to maintain access to healthcare services during transitional periods, allowing them to bridge the gap until they secure alternative coverage. COBRA serves as a vital safeguard for the continuity of health benefits for those facing qualifying events like the termination of coverage due to legal separation.