Marcia Hultman

Cabinet Secretary

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Division of Insurance - COBRA


What is Qualified Beneficiary?

A qualified beneficiary generally is an individual covered by a group health plan on the day before a qualifying event and who is either an employee, the employee's spouse, or an employee's dependent child. In certain cases, a retired employee, the retired employee's spouse, and the retire employee's dependent children may be qualified beneficiaries.

In addition, any child born to or placed for adoption with a covered employee during the period of COBRA coverage is considered a qualified beneficiary. Agents, independent contractors, and directors who participate in the group health plan may also be qualified beneficiaries.

Return to COBRA frequently asked questions

**Resources used and quoted information for this webpage obtained from the FAQs on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage and An Employer's Guide to Group Health Continuation Coverage Under COBRA as issued by the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA).

If you still have questions on COBRA:

Contact the Division of Insurance