COBRA Qualifying Event | Practical Law

COBRA Qualifying Event | Practical Law

COBRA Qualifying Event

COBRA Qualifying Event

Practical Law Glossary Item 3-502-4872 (Approx. 3 pages)

Glossary

COBRA Qualifying Event

An event that makes a COBRA qualified beneficiary eligible to elect continued health care coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). To constitute a qualifying event, the qualified beneficiary must lose coverage under the group health plan as a result of the event. Examples of qualifying events include:
  • Termination of employment.
  • Death.
  • Divorce.
Under federal economic stimulus legislation enacted in March 2021 in response to the US outbreak of COVID-19 (the disease that results from SARS-CoV-2) certain individuals who experience a COBRA qualifying event are temporarily eligible for a 100% COBRA premium subsidy and a health plan enrollment option (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA-21), Pub. L. No. 117-2, § 9501 (Mar. 11, 2021)).