COBRA Qualifying Events
Qualifying events are
"triggers" that can cause the loss of group health coverage and may
result in the right to COBRA coverage. The type of qualifying event determines
who the qualified beneficiaries are for that event.
Note that the information below
outlines qualifying events under federal COBRA. While many state
"mini-COBRA" laws are similar to federal COBRA, some state laws may permit
additional or different qualifying events.
Qualifying Events for Covered
Employees
The following are qualifying events
for a covered employee, if they
cause the covered employee to lose health coverage:
- Termination of the covered
employee’s employment (whether voluntary or involuntary) for reasons other than
gross misconduct; or
- Reduction in the covered employee’s
hours of employment.
However, the term "gross misconduct" is not defined under federal law. Employers
should consult with a knowledgeable employment law attorney to discuss any
issues related to gross misconduct and COBRA as it relates to a particular
employee.