If you or your dependents have coverage at the time of a qualifying event, you may be eligible to elect continuation of coverage under one or more of the following:

• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan

You have a legal right under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to purchase a temporary extension of your coverage at group rates.  However, you must pay the full cost of the coverage, plus a 2% administrative fee.

Events that Qualify for Continued Coverage

You and your covered dependents may elect to continue coverage by the City of DeSoto medical, dental and/or vision coverage for up to 18 months if your coverage would otherwise end because of:

• Termination of employment, resignation, layoff, involuntary termination, and leave of absence; or
• You become ineligible for coverage because your work hours are reduced.

The 18-month period may be extended to 36 months if other events (your death, divorce/legal separation, Medicare entitlement) occur during the 18-month period.

Your spouse or other covered dependent may elect to continue medical, dental, and/or vision coverage for up to 36 months if their coverage would otherwise end because:

• You or other covered individual dies;
• You and your spouse divorce or legally separate; or
• You become entitled to Medicare.

Your covered dependent child or other individual covered may elect to continue medical, dental, and/or vision coverage for up to 36 months if the child no longer qualifies as a dependent under the plan.