The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) was enacted in 1986 to provide for continuous health benefits for employees under certain qualifying events that might cause an individual to lose coverage. Qualifying events include loss of employment, reduction in the employee's hours of employment, death of the employee, divorce or legal separation of the employee, if the employee becomes entitled for Medicare or if a child ceases to be eligible as a dependent child under the terms of the group health plan. Employees and qualified dependents are eligible to continue their health and dental benefits for a predetermined period of time under the provisions of COBRA. Contact Denise Cornelius at 5-5345 for more specific information relating to your rights upon separation of employment.