What is a requirement for COBRA continuation coverage?

For COBRA continuation coverage to be applicable, an employee must have experienced a qualifying event that leads to a loss of health coverage. Qualifying events can include reductions in hours, job termination (other than for gross misconduct), divorce or legal separation, death of the covered employee, or a dependent child losing eligibility under the plan.

This requirement ensures that individuals have the opportunity to maintain their health insurance benefits despite circumstances that typically would lead to a loss of coverage. The other options do not align with the established requirements set forth under COBRA. For instance, being part of a government health plan is not a prerequisite, nor is there a requirement of being employed for a certain duration prior to the qualifying event or needing a specific health services contract. Thus, the correct answer highlights the necessity of having undergone a qualifying event to access COBRA continuation coverage.