What constitutes a "Qualifying Event"?

Several events that, if they result in a loss of coverage, can be "Qualifying Events":

• Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for reasons other than gross misconduct. (note: retirement is considered a termination of employment)
• Reduction in the number of hours of the covered employee's employment.
• Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare.
• Divorce/legal separation of the covered employee from the employee's spouse.
• Dependent child ceasing to be a dependent child under the generally applicable requirements of the plan.
• Death of the covered employee.