Qualifying Events and Extending COBRA Coverage

A “qualifying event” under COBRA is an event that would result in an individual losing group health coverage.

The type of qualifying event will determine who the qualified beneficiaries are. Under COBRA, six events can be qualifying events if they result in loss of coverage. These six events and the length of coverage they trigger are:

• Death of the covered employee (spouse and dependent child of covered employee are covered for up to 36 months).
• Termination (other than by reason of gross misconduct) or reduction of hours of the