16 Continuation Coverage (Self - Pay) Plan Provided Co ntinuation of Coverage Benefit If an active employee loses eligibility because of the termination or reduction in hours o f employment, eligibility to participate in health care coverage may be continued by making self - payments, payable to the Fund, for a period of up to six (6) months. This benefit is available to eligible Participants in addition to COBRA continuation cover age , except where such addition would result in more than 36 - month s of total continuation coverage . Note: Upon termination or reduction is hours, the employee will have until the later of: (a) 60 days from the date of notification of the option to elect th is benefit, or (b) 60 days from the date eligibility is lost, to notify the Fund Office of his or her election to continue eligi bility by making self - payments. COBR A Continuation Coverage Benefit COBRA Continuation Coverage is a continuation of your health care coverage under the Plan when coverage for you, your Spouse, Eligible Dependent Children, would otherwise end because of a life event known as a “qualifying event.” Specific qualifying events are listed below. After a qualifying event, COBRA Continuation Coverage must be offered to each person who is a “qualified beneficiary.” you, your Spouse, and your Eligible Dependent Children could become Qualified Beneficiaries if coverage under the Pla n is lost because of the qualifying event, and you, your Spouse, or Eligible Dependent Children were enrolled in coverage under the Plan at the time the Qualifying Event occurred. Qualified Beneficiaries who elect COBRA Continuation Coverage must make mont hly self - payments for coverage, on or be fore the due date. You, as the participant/employee will become a “Qualified Beneficiary” if you lose your coverage under the Plan because any of the fol lowing Qualifying Events occur: • A reduction in your work hours which causes a loss of eligibility under the Plan; or • Your employment ends for any reason other than your gross misconduct; • You lose retiree coverage due to becoming entitled to Medicare (Part A, Part B, or both if the retiree terminates retiree coverage after electing Medicare. Your Spouse will become a “Qualified Beneficiary” if coverage under the Plan is lost because any of the following Qualifying Events: • Your death; • You experience a reduction in work hours, which causes a loss of eligibility under the Plan; • Your employment ends for any reason other than your gross misconduct; • You lose retiree coverage due to becoming entitled to Medicare (Part A, Part B, or both); or • You become divorced or legally separated from your Spouse. Your Eligible Dependents wi ll become qualified beneficiaries if they lose coverage under the Plan because of any of the following qualifying events: • Your death; • You experience a reduction in work hours, which causes a loss of eligibility under this Plan; • Your employment ends for any reason other than your gross misconduct; • You lose retiree coverage due becoming entitled to Medicare benefits (Part A, Part B, or both);