What Is a Qualifying Event?

Qualifying events are specified events that result in an employee losing group health coverage. The type of qualifying event determines who the qualified beneficiaries are and the length of the coverage period that is offered under COBRA. A plan, at its discretion, might provide longer periods of continuation than required by law.

Examples of qualifying events for an employee are:

• Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment for any reason other than "gross misconduct."

• Reduction in employment hours, such as changing from full-time to part-time status or taking a leave of absence.

Examples of qualifying events for a spouse include:

• Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct.

• Reduction in employment hours worked by the covered employee.

• Death of the covered employee.

• Divorce or legal separation from the covered employee.

• Eligibility of the covered employee to enroll in Medicare.

Examples of qualifying events for a dependent child include:

• Loss of dependent child status under the employer's plan rules.

• Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct.

• Reduction in employment hours worked by the covered employee.

• Death of the covered employee.

• Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee.

• Eligibility of the covered employee to enroll in Medicare.