Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73
§300bb–3 Qualifying event
Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 6A— - PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER XX— - REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN GROUP HEALTH PLANS FOR CERTAIN STATE AND LOCAL EMPLOYEES › § 300bb–3
Summary
Defines "qualifying event" as something that would make a person lose health coverage unless continuation coverage is offered. The five events are death; job end or reduced hours (not for gross misconduct); divorce or separation; becoming eligible for Medicare; or a child no longer being a dependent.
Full Legal Text
Title 42, §300bb–3
The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
For purposes of this subchapter, the term “qualifying event” means, with respect to any covered employee, any of the following events which, but for the continuation coverage required under this subchapter, would result in the loss of coverage of a qualified beneficiary:
(1)The death of the covered employee.
(2)The termination (other than by reason of such employee’s gross misconduct), or reduction of hours, of the covered employee’s employment.
(3)The divorce or legal separation of the covered employee from the employee’s spouse.
(4)The covered employee becoming entitled to benefits under title XVIII of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.].
(5)A dependent child ceasing to be a dependent child under the generally applicable requirements of the plan.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in par. (4), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter XVIII (§ 1395 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of this title and Tables.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
42 U.S.C. § 300bb–3
Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73