The University of Alaska provides the opportunity for continued health plan coverage to former employees or dependents as required by a federal law, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). COBRA requires most employers sponsoring group health plans to offer employees and their families the opportunity to elect a temporary extension of health coverage (called "continuaton coverage") at group rates in certain instances where coverage under the plan would otherwise end because of a life event known as a "qualifying event."