Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, better known as COBRA, the following qualifying events entitle you (and your qualified beneficiaries) to continue participating in the group health insurance plan for a prescribed period of time (typically 18 months, may be 36 months in other situations):

1. Termination of your employment for any reason other than gross misconduct.
2. Reduction of your work hours.
3. Your death.
4. Divorce or legal separation.
5. Dependent child no longer meeting eligibility requirements.
6. If dependent coverage is lost because you (or the COBRA continuant) becomes entitled to Medicare.
7. Loss of coverage by a retiree within one year before or after the commencement of proceedings under Title 11 (bankruptcy).

If you choose to continue group benefits under COBRA, you will pay the total applicable premium. Your coverage will end if you fail to make premium payments as scheduled, become covered by another group plan that does not exclude pre-existing conditions or become eligible for Medicare.