Qualifying for COBRA

Your employment terminates for any reason (other than gross misconduct);

Your coverage terminates because of a reduction in your hours, a transfer to an ineligible position or a layoff.

The 18-month continuation period starts on the date of the qualifying event. If another event takes place during the 18-month continuation period that would entitle your dependents to a longer period of continued coverage, coverage for your dependents may be extended. However, coverage may never be extended for your dependents for more than three years from the date of the initial qualifying event.

COBRA coverage may be continued for up to 29 months if:

You or your covered dependents qualify for disability under Social Security during the first 60 days of COBRA coverage and you meet each of the requirements described below.

If you qualify under the special disability rules, you may extend the 18-month continuation period for up to an additional 11 months. This may allow you and your dependents to continue your health care coverage during the period between the end of the normal 18-month continuation period and the time that Medicare begins coverage at 29 months after the onset of disability.

You must notify the Plan Administrator that you or your eligible dependent qualify for this special extension before the end of the 18-month continuation period and within 60 days after the date you are determined to be disabled under Social Security. If you do not provide notification on time, you will not qualify for the extension of the COBRA continuation period.

Coverage may be continued by your dependents for up to 36 months if their coverage terminates because:

• You die
• You are divorced or legally separated
• Your child ceases to be an eligible dependent as defined by the plan