· If you are leaving your job or otherwise losing access to your group health plan, you may be able to remain covered under the group health plan for a limited time. In addition, you may have special protections when buying certain kinds of individual health insurance. See Individual Health Plans for more information about COBRA, Cal-COBRA, conversion coverage, and individual health insurance for “HIPAA eligible individuals.”

· If you have lost your group health plan and are receiving benefits from the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, you may be eligible for a federal income tax credit to help you pay for new health coverage. This credit is called the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), and it is equal to 80% of the cost of qualified health coverage, including COBRA. (see Financial Assistance)

· If you are a retiree aged 55-65 and receiving pension benefits from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), you may also be eligible for the HCTC. (see Financial Assistance)