I am a US citizen and have been living and working in Rome, Italy for four-and-a-half years. I am a professor at The American University in Rome - a university that is incorporated both in Italy and in the U.S. I have multiple sclerosis. I am covered in Italy by a national health system; I have an Italian insurance supplement, but have never used it. I plan to return to the US permanently this summer and need insurance. I have already been turned down by a private insurer because of my MS and cardio logical problems. Can I qualify for COBRA?

A:    Individuals or employees who are non-resident aliens and do not earn a United States income check are not entitled to elect COBRA.

Otherwise, any individual or employees and their spouse or dependent children may be eligible for COBRA continuation if this person has been on the employer's group health plan the day of the qualifying event.

These events apply to the covered employee and their dependants that are covered under the policy.                                                                                                                                                                        

1.  Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment (unless due to gross misconduct)

2.  Your working hours have been reduced

These events apply to covered spouses and the dependants.

1.  Death of employee.

2.  Divorce or legal separation.

3.  Loss of dependant status, or when a child comes off of employees insurance due to age or school status.

4.  Employee is entitled to Medicare benefits