A COBRA qualifying event is a life event that causes someone to lose their health insurance coverage through their employer. When this happens, the individual (and their covered dependents) may be eligible to continue their benefits through COBRA.
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What Counts as a COBRA Qualifying Event?

The events that qualify someone for COBRA coverage depend on whether the person losing coverage is the employee, a spouse, or a dependent. Below are the most common qualifying events:
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For Employees:

• Voluntary resignation (you quit your job)
• Involuntary job loss (except for gross misconduct)
• Reduction in work hours (e.g., switching to part-time)

For Spouses:

• Employee’s job loss or reduction in hours
• Divorce or legal separation
• Employee becomes eligible for Medicare

For Dependent Children:

• Same as above (affecting the employee or spouse)
• Loss of dependent child status under the plan (e.g., turning 26)