Under state and federal law, if the employee's or dependents' insurance coverage ends due to any of the following "qualifying events", they may have the right to purchase a temporary extension of their current health insurance, dental insurance and/or life insurance.
- Ineligibility for benefits due to reduced work hours.
- Separation of employment with the College for reasons other than gross misconduct.
- Child no longer qualifies as an eligible dependent.
- Divorce or legal separation.
- Death.
The procedures for obtaining continuation coverage vary depending on the type of qualifying event and who is affected. Both the employee and dependents have insurance continuation rights. The insurance certificate of coverage is the best source of information about continuation rights and responsibilities. Employees will be notified of their continuation rights following initial benefits enrollment and following qualifying events that result from changes in their employment.
Employees are responsible to notify Human Resources within 30 days of changes in marital status or in their child's dependent status that result in their spouse's or child's loss of coverage.