A: Qualifying events are events that cause an individual to lose group health coverage. The type of qualifying event determines who the qualified beneficiaries are and the period of time that a plan must offer continuation coverage.
Qualifying Events for Covered Employees:
- Termination of employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
- Reduction in the number of hours of employment
- Marriage
- Divorce or legal separation
- Death of the covered employee
- Birth or adoption
Qualifying Events for Spouses:
- Termination of the covered employee’s employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
- Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
- Covered employee’s becoming entitled to Medicare (in certain circumstances)
- Divorce or legal separation of the spouse from the covered employee
- Death of the covered employee Qualifying Events for Dependent Children:
- Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules
- Termination of the covered employee’s employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
- Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
- Covered employee’s becoming entitled to Medicare (in certain circumstances)
- Divorce or legal separation of the spouse from the covered employee
- Death of the covered employee