qualifying events
Is it or isn’t it a qualifying event?
Medicare entitlement of the employee is listed as a COBRA qualifying event; however, it is rarely a qualifying event. In situations where it is a qualifying event, it is only a qualifying event for the spouse or children that are covered under the group health plan.
Can people apply for individual health coverage after Mar. 31, 2014?
Only those individuals that experience a qualifying event can sign up for a qualified health plan mid-year after March 31st. Most qualifying events will create a special enrollment period that lasts for 60 days.