Which of the following is NOT a qualifying event for employees?

• A. The employee quits or voluntarily terminates.
• B. The employee's hours are reduced.
• C. The employee is promoted.
• D. The employer involuntarily terminates for reasons other than gross misconduct.

Answer: (C)

Qualifying events are events that cause loss of group health plan coverage, triggering COBRA rights. When an employee quits or is terminated, or when their hours are reduced, coverage can end and COBRA continuation becomes available. If the employer terminates the employee for reasons other than gross misconduct, that also ends the employee’s coverage and qualifies for COBRA. A promotion is just a change in job title or duties and does not typically affect eligibility or continuation of the health plan, so it does not count as a qualifying event.