Is retiring a COBRA qualifying event?

Asked by: Prof. Randi Ondricka Jr.  |  Last update: November 29, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (41 votes)

For “covered employees,” the only qualifying event is termination of employment (whether the termination is voluntary or involuntary) including by retirement, or reduction of employment hours. In that case, COBRA lasts for eighteen months.

Is cancelling 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.

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.

Is retiring a qualifying event?

A change in employment status — whether voluntary or involuntary (laid off, dismissed, resigned, quit or retired) — is another qualifying life event.

What is not a qualifying event to trigger COBRA coverage?

Taking a leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) is not a COBRA qualifying event because FMLA requires a covered employer to maintain group health plan benefits for an employee so the employee has no coverage loss.

What is a COBRA Qualifying Event

36 related questions found

Is retirement a qualifying event for COBRA?

For “covered employees,” the only qualifying event is termination of employment (whether the termination is voluntary or involuntary) including by retirement, or reduction of employment hours. In that case, COBRA lasts for eighteen months.

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.

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 is a retirement event?

A retirement party is a special gathering held in honor of someone who is retiring from their professional career. It's an occasion to express gratitude for their years of hard work, celebrate their achievements, and send them off into retirement with warm wishes and good cheer.

What is a qualifying retirement?

A qualified retirement plan refers to employer-sponsored retirement plans that satisfy requirements in the Internal Revenue Code for receiving tax-deferred treatment.

What are the 7 COBRA qualifying events?

The seven COBRA qualifying events that allow individuals to maintain their employer-sponsored health insurance include termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct, reduction in the number of work hours, divorce or legal separation from the covered employee, the covered employee becoming entitled ...

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.

How does COBRA work after leaving a job?

COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You usually pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee. Contact your employer to learn about your COBRA options.

Can I terminate a COBRA at any time?

Yes, you can cancel COBRA coverage at any time. However, be aware that cancellation does not trigger a special enrollment period for new health insurance.

What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?

COBRA cons
  • COBRA can be expensive, especially compared to the premiums you were paying before your qualifying event. ...
  • COBRA does not apply to all employer-sponsored health plans—in particular, those organizations with fewer than 20 employees may have no requirements. ...
  • Even if you get an extension, COBRA is only temporary.

How do you keep a COBRA for 36 months?

Second Qualifying Event - If you are receiving an 18-month maximum period of continuation coverage, you may become entitled to an 18-month extension (giving a total maximum period of 36 months of continuation coverage) if you experience a second qualifying event that is the death of a covered employee, the divorce or ...

What is the 3 rule in retirement?

The safe withdrawal rule is a classic in retirement planning. It maintains that you can live comfortably on your retirement savings if you withdraw 3% to 4% of the balance you had at retirement each year, adjusted for inflation.

What happens when someone is retired?

The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.

How do you plan a retirement event?

Ten Steps to Planning a Retirement Party
  1. Set a Budget. Before diving into the planning process, establish a budget. ...
  2. Choose a Date and Venue. ...
  3. Decide on a Theme. ...
  4. Create a Guest List. ...
  5. Send Out Invitations. ...
  6. Plan the Catering. ...
  7. Organize Entertainment and Activities. ...
  8. Decorate the Venue.

Is going off COBRA a qualifying event?

Is your COBRA coverage about to expire? After months of not worrying about health insurance, do you know what to do next? Here's the good news: Rolling off of COBRA coverage is a qualifying event that opens a special enrollment period for you to purchase your own health coverage.

Is retirement a qualifying life event?

Change in employment status which results in a gain or loss of plan coverage, e.g., termination/retirement, new hire, change in hours that affect eligibility. Loss of other group health coverage due to a qualifying life event. Enrollment/cancellation of Marketplace coverage.

What is a qualifying event as defined by the IRS?

A qualifying life event (PDF) (QLE) allows you to enroll or change your FSA election. These events are defined by the IRS and include: Change in your legal marital status (i.e., marriage, legal separation, divorce, or death of your spouse)

How to prove qualifying life event?

Required Documents to Prove a QLE
  1. Marriage license for marriage.
  2. Divorce papers for divorce.
  3. Birth certificate for the birth of a child.
  4. Adoption papers for adoption.
  5. Death certificate for a change in household due to death.
  6. Written job offer for employment-related moves.

Does quitting a job count as termination?

The main difference between resignation and termination lies in who initiated the severance of employment. With a resignation, you decide to end your employment; whereas in contrast, with a termination, your employer makes the decision to end your employment.

Is losing benefits a qualifying event?

A change in your situation — like getting married, having a baby, or losing health coverage — that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in health insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period.