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 COBRA unit at 212-539-0560).