Question: What is a COBRA qualifying event?
Answer:
The COBRA statute defines certain "qualifying events" that make someone eligible for COBRA. These events include:
- The death of the covered employee;
- The employee's termination from employment for any reason other than gross misconduct;
- A reduction in the employee's work hours that makes him or her no longer eligible for coverage under the employer's benefit plan;
- The divorce or legal separation of a covered employee from his or her spouse; and
- The covered employee becoming eligible for Medicare.
If any of these events occur, the employee and his or her dependents become eligible for COBRA coverage. At that time, the employee or employer must notify the COBRA plan administrator of the individual's eligibility and begin the COBRA election process. For more information, see my FAQ How Do I Elect COBRA?
