Human Resources

What is a COBRA Qualifying Event?

COBRA continuation coverage is a continuation of Health Plan coverage when coverage would otherwise end because of a life event known as a "qualifying event". COBRA continuation coverage must be offered to each person who is a "qualified beneficiary." You, your spouse, and dependent children could become qualified beneficiaries if coverage under the Plan is lost because of a qualifying event. Under the Plan, qualified beneficiaries who elect COBRA continuation coverage must pay the full cost of COBRA continuation coverage. QUALIFYING EVENT....EMPLOYEE--If you lose your coverage under plan because of the following qualifying events: (1) Enter Military Service (2)Hours of employment are reduced (3) Employment ends. SPOUSE OF AN EMPLOYEE--(1) You or your spouse enter military service (2) Your spouse's hours of employment are reduced (3) Your spouse's employment ends (4) Your spouse becomes entitled to Medicare benefits (under Part A, Part B, or both) (5) You become divorced or legally separated from your spouse. DEPENDENT CHILDREN will become qualified beneficiaries if they lose coverage under the Plan if any of these events happen--(1) Employee enters military service (2) Employee's hours of employment are reduced (3) Employee's employment ends (4) Employee becomes entitled to Medicare Benefits (5) Parents become divorce or legally separated (6) Dependent stops being eligible for coverage under the Plan as a "dependent child" because of child age of 19, because of marriage, maximum student age of 26 or entering military service. COBRA coverage continuation due to a qualifying event may last from 18 months to 36 months. For questions on COBRA benefits please call 1-800-422-4658.

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