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Extending Coverage

If you leave a group, there are two options for continuing coverage for you or your covered dependents:

COBRA

Under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) you can extend your group coverage by paying your own premiums. Depending on your situation, coverage can be extended for 18 to 36 months. COBRA coverage is only available to someone who leaves a group of 20 or more employees. Groups with fewer than 20 employees, churches and federal government plans are exempt from COBRA.

You must apply through your group for COBRA continuation within 60 days of loss of coverage. Ask your group benefits representative for enrollment information.

Group Conversion

If you are not eligible for COBRA, you and your covered spouse and dependents can apply for individual coverage, called group conversion, within 30 days of loss of coverage. For more information, contact Customer Service.
To be eligible for COBRA or group conversion, your coverage must have been terminated for one of the following reasons:
  • Layoff or reduction of hours
  • Termination of employment (voluntary or involuntary)
  • Divorce or legal separation from a covered employee
  • Death of a subscriber
  • Loss of dependent eligibility status
  • Marriage of a dependent child
Dependents not covered when the subscriber's contract expires are not eligible for group conversion or COBRA.