· 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 policies. See Individual Health Plans for more information about COBRA continuation coverage, state continuation coverage, conversion coverage, and the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool.

· If you 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 is equal to 80% of the cost of qualified health coverage, including COBRA and a policy offered through the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool. (see Financial Assistance)

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