Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA, employees who terminate employment for any reason other than gross misconduct are eligible to continue their group health, dental and vision insurance. Under COBRA, the employee or family member may extend coverage for an additional 18 months; 29 if disabled, or 36 months on a self-pay basis at 102 percent of the total coverage cost.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides for premium reductions and additional election opportunities for health benefits under COBRA. ARRA provides for a 65% reduction in the ordinary cost of COBRA continuation coverage for certain assistance eligible individuals for up to nine (9) months. You may be considered an "assistance eligible individual" if:

1. You are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage at any time on or after September 1, 2008 and before December 31, 2009;
2. The qualifying event that entitles you to elect COBRA continuation coverage is your involuntary termination of employment that occurs on or after September 1, 2008 and before December 31, 2009; and
3. You elect COBRA.

To ensure continuation of coverage, contact the Benefits Office at 215-926-2283 when terminating employment.