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An event for which the insurance company may offer continued health insurance to covered individuals. Qualifying events include: 1. covered employee dies (the surviving spouse may continue participating in the health insurance plan as a private pay individual); 2. covered employee’s employment is terminated or work hours reduced; 3. covered employee is divorced or legally separated from his/her spouse; 4. covered employee becomes eligible for Medicare benefits; 5. a dependent child attains the maximum age allowed by the insurance company and is no longer considered a dependent child under the applicable plan requirements; or 6. employer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. DURATION OF BENEFITS: COBRA benefits will end when one of the following occurs: 1. 18 months after the qualifying event if that qualifying event is due to termination of employment or reduction in hours. For any other event, please submit to the Policy Specialist. Or… 2. The date the employer ceases to offer a group health plan. Or… 3. Upon enrollment in other health insurance or Medicare. COST EFFECTIVENESS: HIPPS/Cost effectiveness is determined by the TPL Unit. TPL UNIT: HIPPS/Cost effectiveness questions are directed to: DPHHS HIPPS PO Box 202953 Helena, Montana 59620-2953 Phone: 1-800-694-3084 Fax: 1-800-444-1829 Email: hhshippprogram@mt.gov Effective Date: October 01, 2017