What Constitutes a “Qualifying Event”?

“Qualifying Events” are events that cause an individual to lose group health coverage. The nature of the qualifying event determines which person will qualify for COBRA continuation. 

The following are qualifying events for a covered employee if they cause the covered employee to lose coverage;

• Termination of the covered employee’s employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
• Reduction in the covered employee’s hours of employment causing loss of coverage

The following are qualifying events for a spouse and/or dependent child of a covered employee if they cause the spouse or dependent child to lose coverage;

• Termination of the covered employee’s employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
• Reduction in hours worked by the covered employee causing loss of coverage
• Covered employee becomes entitled to Medicare
• Divorce or legal separation of the spouse from the covered employee
• Death of the employee
• Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules