Does COBRA cover all my health benefits? What is the difference between City and Welfare Fund COBRA?

COBRA is the federal law that enables you to purchase continuation of coverage when you lose eligibility for health coverage. Most UFT members have health coverage from two separate sources: the New York City Health Plan for medical/hospital benefits (e.g. GHI or HIP) and the UFT Welfare Fund for supplemental health-related benefits including prescription drugs, dental, optical and hearing aid. (Welfare Fund COBRA coverage is not available for non-health-related benefits including death, disability, legal, and retiree programs.) To purchase medical/hospital coverage, you must file a City of New York Continuation of Coverage Application (available from your payroll secretary), with your medical plan. To purchase UFT Welfare Fund benefits, file a COBRA application with the Welfare Fund (available by calling the Forms Hotline at 212-539-0539).