Is a strike a COBRA qualifying event?

Asked by: Cedrick Bednar  |  Last update: January 20, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (66 votes)

For example, a strike or a lockout is a termination or reduction of hours that constitutes a qualifying event if the strike or lockout results in a loss of coverage as described in paragraph (c) of Q&A-1 of this section. Similarly, a layoff that results in such a loss of coverage is a qualifying event.

What is considered a COBRA qualifying event?

The following are qualifying events: the death of the covered employee; a covered employee's termination of employment or reduction of the hours of employment; the covered employee becoming entitled to Medicare; divorce or legal separation from the covered employee; or a dependent child ceasing to be a dependent under ...

Which of the following is not a qualifying event for COBRA?

Coverage provided under the FMLA is not COBRA coverage, and taking FMLA leave is not a qualifying event under COBRA.

What plans are not subject to COBRA?

Indemnity policies, PPOs, HMOs, and self-insured plans are all eligible for COBRA extension; however, federal government employee plans and church plans are exempt from COBRA. Individual health insurance is also exempt from COBRA extension.

Under what circumstances can a COBRA be denied?

If the former employee is considered an eligible plan participant, then he or she would be a qualified beneficiary and entitled to COBRA coverage unless the second exception (denial based on gross misconduct) is applied. Under COBRA, a person who has been terminated for gross misconduct may be denied COBRA.

What is a COBRA Qualifying Event

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What is the COBRA loophole?

If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.

Why would I not be eligible for COBRA?

Why would an employee not qualify to enroll in Cal-COBRA? The employee is enrolled in or eligible for Medicare. The employee does not enroll within 60 days of receiving the notice of eligibility from the employer. The employee is covered by another health plan.

Is dropping COBRA a qualifying event?

However, you won't qualify if you decide to end COBRA early and are paying the full benefit cost yourself. You also don't qualify if you lose your COBRA coverage because you didn't pay your premiums. Remember, you don't need a special enrollment period if you voluntarily end COBRA during open enrollment.

What are the rules for COBRA coverage?

COBRA eligibility has three basic requirements that must be met for you to get a continuation of coverage:
  • Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA.
  • A qualifying event must occur.
  • You must be a qualified beneficiary for that event.

How to determine if a group is subject to COBRA?

COBRA covers group health plans sponsored by an employer (private-sector or state/local government) that had at least 20 employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year. Both full- and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA.

Is resignation a qualifying event for COBRA?

You are covered under COBRA if you quit your job voluntarily. This protects workers and their qualified dependents with continuing health coverage after the covered beneficiary decides to stop working.

What is a COBRA exception?

COBRA Exception: Gross Misconduct

Employees do not experience a COBRA qualifying event if their loss of coverage is caused by a termination of employment that is “by reason of the employee's gross misconduct.” The gross misconduct exception applies only to a termination of employment triggering event.

Why is COBRA so expensive?

COBRA coverage is not cheap.

Why? Because you're now responsible for paying your portion of your health insurance: The cost your employer contributed to your premium, in addition to the 2% service fee on the cost of your insurance.

Which of the following is not a COBRA qualifying event?

Final answer: The event that would NOT be a qualifying event under COBRA is gross misconduct. Qualifying events typically include company downsizing, changes in employment status, and voluntary termination. Under COBRA, individuals terminated for gross misconduct are not eligible for continued health coverage.

What happens if I elect COBRA but don't pay?

There is no grace period if you're late paying your initial COBRA premium payment. 3 If it isn't paid on time (ie, within 45 days of electing COBRA), you lose your right to have COBRA coverage; you'll have to find other health insurance options or you'll be uninsured.

How long can you stay on COBRA after leaving a job?

While COBRA is temporary, in most circumstances, you can stay on COBRA for 18 to 36 months.

Which of the following would be a qualifying event as it relates to COBRA?

COBRA coverage follows a "qualifying event". An example of a qualifying event would be if your hours were reduced or you lost your job (as long as there was no gross misconduct).

Can an employer deny COBRA coverage?

Gross misconduct provides a basis for denying COBRA coverage to the employee and to the employee's dependents.

Can you get off COBRA anytime?

COBRA participants may terminate coverage early, but they generally won't be able to get a Health Insurance Marketplace plan outside of the open enrollment period.

What are examples of a qualifying event?

Qualifying Life Events
  • Gaining a dependent or becoming a dependent through birth or adoption.
  • Getting married.
  • Applicant or dependent lost minimum essential coverage due to termination or change in employment status.
  • Cessation of an employer's contribution toward an employee or dependents coverage.

What to do when a COBRA is too expensive?

If you decide COBRA is too expensive, consider a Marketplace health insurance plan for your coverage needs.

Does quitting your job count as a qualifying event?

Is losing or getting a new job a qualifying life event? Yes, if you lose your employer-sponsored health care, you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. There's no distinction between leaving your place of employment willingly, like in the case of resignation, or unwillingly, like with a layoff or firing.

How do I know if I qualify for COBRA?

Check with your state insurance commissioner's office to see if coverage is available to you. You may also be eligible for COBRA if you recently got divorced or legally separated (court-issued separation decree) or were a dependent child or dependent adult child who's no longer a dependent.

What are examples of individuals who would qualify for COBRA?

Eligible for COBRA through a dependent qualifying event

Some of the most common dependent qualifying events are: dependent turning 26 and aging out of active coverage (under the Affordable Care Act) getting a divorce (spouse who had active coverage through employee loses it) employee with active coverage dies.

How does an employer qualify for COBRA?

COBRA generally applies to all private-sector group health plans maintained by employers that had at least 20 employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year. Both full- and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA.