· 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 continuation coverage, state continuation coverage, conversion coverage, individual health insurance, and coverage for “HIPAA eligible individuals.”

· If you lost your health insurance 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 is equal to 80% of the cost of qualified coverage, including COBRA and health insurance offered through the North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool. (see Financial Assistance)

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