Which events count as a qualifying event for an employee's COBRA continuation?

• A. Termination of employment or reduction in hours causing loss of coverage
• B. Voluntary resignation only
• C. Change in employee's department
• D. Annual salary adjustment

Answer: (A)

Qualifying events are events that result in a loss of coverage under the employer’s group health plan, which triggers the right to elect COBRA continuation. For an employee, the key qualifying events are termination of employment or a reduction in hours that lead to loss of coverage. Voluntary resignation is included because it is a termination of employment, but that option is incomplete since there are other qualifying events as well. A change in department or an annual salary adjustment does not cause loss of coverage, so they do not qualify.