qualified beneficiary
(C) Special rule for retirees and widows In the case of a qualifying event described in section 1163(6) of this title , the term “qualified beneficiary” includes a covered employee who had retired on or before the date of substantial elimination of coverage and any other individual who, on the day before such qualifying event, is a beneficiary under the plan— (i) as the spouse of the covered employee, (ii) as the dependent child of the employee, or (iii) as the surviving spouse of the covered employee.