qualifying event

noun

: an event or condition (as a terminal illness) that permits an acceleration or continuation of benefits or coverage

especially : an event involving an employee covered by a group health insurance plan that would result in a termination of coverage for the employee or a qualified beneficiary if not for federal provisions for the continuation of such coverage (as for six months)

Note: Qualifying events for continuation of group health insurance coverage include the death, divorce, or legal separation of the employee, termination from employment for a reason other than gross misconduct, reduction in working hours, and the change in status of a child who ceases to be classified as a dependent under the terms of the plan. An employee is entitled to notice of the right to continuation after a qualifying event occurs.