| Employees who are covered
by the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or a Health
Maintenance Organization (HMO) have the right to choose
to continue coverage if they will lose coverage because
of a reduction in hours of employment or the termination
of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct.
Spouses or dependent child(ren) of an employee covered
by the PPO or HMO have a right to choose continuation coverage
if they will lose coverage under the PPO or the HMO for
any of the following four "qualifying events"
or reasons specified in the law:
1. The death of spouse/parent;
2. Termination of spouse's/parent's employment for reasons
other than gross misconduct or a reduction in spouse's/parent's
hours of employment;
3. Divorce or legal separation from spouse; or
4. The child(ren) ceases to meet the definition of a
"dependent child" under the plan.
Continuation coverage for spouses or dependent child(ren)
of an employee who is eligible for retirement or a retiree
covered by the PPO or HMO will be as any other COBRA participant
except that they will not be subject to the statutory time
limit for participation.
More information about coverage continuation is available
in the Office of Human Resources.
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