A qualifying event is one that would cause an employee who had group health coverage to lose that coverage. Dropping coverage during open enrollment is not a qualifying event, although doing so in conjunction with a qualifying event such as divorce or legal separation triggers COBRA rights for the spouse. COBRA qualifying events are listed on the DOL website and are as follows:
Qualifying Events for Employees
- Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct.
- Reduction in the number of hours of employment below plan eligibility requirements.
Qualifying Events for Spouses
- Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct.
- Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee below plan eligibility requirements.
- Covered employee becoming entitled to Medicare.
- Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee.
- Death of the covered employee.
Qualifying Events for Dependent Children
- Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules.
- Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct.
- Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee below plan eligibility requirements.
- Covered employee becoming entitled to Medicare.
- Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee.
- Death of the covered employee.
An organization run by AI is not a futuristic concept. Such technology is already a part of many workplaces and will continue to shape the labor market and HR. Here's how employers and employees can successfully manage generative AI and other AI-powered systems.
Related Content
HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.