The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) permits you and your covered dependents to buy continued insurance coverage when existing coverage ceases. Continued coverage is only available in certain circumstances and for a limited time. You or your dependent must pay the full cost of coverage.

Generally, to qualify for COBRA, you cannot be covered by any other group health plan. COBRA applies to the medical, dental, and vision plans. You, your spouse, and child can elect COBRA coverage for up to 18 months if one of the following changes occurs:

• Your employment ends (except for gross misconduct) 
• Your working hours are reduced to fewer than 80 per month 
• You retire, resign, take an approved leave of absence, or are placed on long-term suspension.

However, if your employment ends or your hours are reduced, and you, your spouse, or child is disabled at the time, the disabled person could be eligible to continue coverage for up to 29 months. To be eligible for 29 months of continued coverage as a disabled person, you have to be approved for Social Security disability benefits.

For more information regarding COBRA please visit the Department of Labor website at http://www.dol.gov.