Terms of Use 
 

Eligibility for continuation coverage is built on three specific requirements. If any of these are missing, federal COBRA may not apply.

1. The Plan Applies to group health plans of employers with 20+ employees. (Check state laws for smaller teams).
2. The Beneficiary Includes employees, spouses, and dependent children covered on the day before the event.
3. The Event A specific "qualifying event" must occur that results in a loss of health coverage.

Qualifying Events & Beneficiaries

Employees
Job loss (voluntary or involuntary) or reduction in hours worked.
Spouses
Death of employee, divorce, legal separation, or employee Medicare eligibility.
Children
All adult/spouse events, plus "aging out" of dependent status (typically at age 26).

Note: "Gross misconduct" is the only exception for involuntary termination. This is a very high legal standard and is rarely used by employers to deny benefits.