The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires an employer to extend coverage under the group health program when certain qualifying conditions are met.
Coverage for eighteen months must be offered if any of the following "qualifying events occur:
* Layoff.
* Reduction to less than 20 hours weekly.
* Voluntary termination of employment.
* Discharge for reasons other than "gross misconduct".
Coverage for a thirty-six month period must be offered should any of the following "qualifying events" occur:
* Death of an employee who has less than 10 years of current consecutive service.
* Divorce or legal separation of the employee and spouse.
* Ceasing to be a "dependent" according to plan definitions.