Should you leave Rice for reasons other than “gross misconduct” and not qualify as a retiree, or if your spouse or dependent has a qualifying event, you have the option to continue medical and dental benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for a limited period of time.
If you are entitled to COBRA benefits, Rice will give you a notice stating your right to choose to continue benefits provided by the plan. You have 60 days to accept coverage or lose all rights to benefits. Once COBRA coverage is chosen, you are required to pay 102 percent of the cost of coverage.
Rice University treats registered and enrolled domestic partners as spouses for purposes of COBRA coverage under the Rice medical and dental plans. Please contact Human Resources should you, your spouse or domestic partner, or your dependent become eligible for COBRA coverage or if your dependent should no longer qualify for coverage.