15 APPENDIX F – COBRA Continuation of Coverage Federal law requires that HCCSC give employees and their families a Notice of COBRA Continuation Rights which outlines the opportunity to continue their health care coverage as a “qualified beneficiary” when there is a qualifying event that would result in a loss of coverage under the plan. Examples of qualifying events are termination of employment, reduction in hours, loss of coverage due to an employee’s death, divorce, or legal separation, the employee’s becoming eligible for Medicare benefits or a dep endent child ceasing to be eligible for coverage. Continuation coverage is the same coverage offered to other plan participants who are not receiving continuation coverage under COBRA. Each qualified beneficiary who elects continuation coverage will have the same rights under the Plan as other participants or beneficiaries covered by the plan, including special enrollment rights. How Long Will COBRA Last? In the case of a loss of coverage due to end of employment or reduction in hours of employment , coverage may be continued for up to eighteen ( 18) months. In the case of losses of coverage due an employee’s death, divorce or legal separation, the employee’s becoming entitled to Medicare benefits or a dependent child ceasing to be a dependent under the terms of the plan, coverage may be continued for up to thirty -six ( 36) months. How to Elect COBRA Continuation Coverage At the time of a qualifying event, an employee will receive notification via U.S. Postal Mail of COBRA eligibility . There are timelines established by COBRA to make enrollment decisions. Questions about COBRA can be directed to Human Resources . How Much Does COBRA Cost? COBRA is 100% paid by the participant and a 2% COBRA administration fee is also charged to the participant. Payments are to be made monthly and are paid directly to the COBRA Administrator. When will Continuation Coverage End? Continuation coverage will terminate on the earlier of: • The date required premium is not paid in full on time, • The date a qualified beneficiary becomes covered after electing continuation coverage under another group health plan, • The date a qualified beneficiary becomes entitled to Medicare benefits (under Part A, Part B or both) after electing continuation coverage, • The date the continuation period ends, or • The date the employer ceases to provide any group health plan for its employees