97 COBRA continuation coverage can become available to you when you would otherwise lose coverage under your Employer's health Plan. It can also become available to other Members of your family, who are covered under the Employer's health Plan, when they would otherwise lose their health coverage. For additional information about your rights and duties under federal law, you should contact the Employer. Qualifying events for Continuation Coverage under Federal Law (COBRA) COBRA continuation coverage is available when your coverage would otherwise end because of certain “qualifying events.” After a qualifying event, COBRA continuation coverage must be offered to each person who is a “qualified beneficiary.” You, your spouse and your Dependent children could become qualified beneficiaries if you were covered on the day before the qualifying event and your coverage would be lost because of the qualifying event. Qualified beneficiaries who elect COBRA must pay for this COBRA continuation coverage. This benefit entitles each Member of your family who is enrolled in the Plan to elect continuation independently. Each qualified beneficiary has the right to make independent benefit elections at the time of annual enrollment. Covered Subscribers may elect COBRA continuation coverage on behalf of their spouses, and parents or legal guardians may elect COBRA continuation coverage on behalf of their children. A child born to, or placed for adoption with, a covered Subscriber during the period of continuation coverage is also eligible for election of continuation coverage. Qualifying Event Length of Availability of Coverage For Subscribers: Voluntary or Involuntary Termination (other than gross misconduct) or Loss of Coverage Under an Employer’s Health Plan Due to Reduction In Hours Worked 18 months For Dependents: A Covered Subscriber’s Voluntary or Involuntary Termination (other than gross misconduct) or Loss of Coverage Under an Employer’s Health Plan Due to Reduction In Hours Worked Covered Subscriber’s Entitlement to Medicare Divorce or Legal Separation Death of a Covered Subscriber 18 months 36 months 36 months 36 months For Dependent Children: Loss of Dependent Child Status 36 months COBRA coverage will end before the end of the maximum continuation period listed above if you become entitled to Medicare benefits. In that case, a qualified beneficiary – other than the Medicare beneficiary – is entitled to continuation coverage for no more than a total of 36 months. (For example, if you become entitled to Medicare prior to termination of employment or reduction in hours, COBRA continuation coverage for your spouse and children can last up to 36 months after the date of Medicare entitlement.)