If you have health coverage through work, and stop working because of your health (or for practically any other reason), it is likely that you have a legal right to continue your health coverage for an extended period of time. If you are "disabled" when you stop work, you can extend the coverage even longer. Your health condition may qualify you as "disabled." The two federal laws that provide this right are generally known together as "COBRA."

If you are an employee or ex-employee and are not covered under federal COBRA provisions, you may receive the same benefits under the law in the state in which you work. The description of the federal law, and the practical suggestions with respect to the federal law, generally apply to state laws as well.

Check first to see if you're covered by the federal law (both with respect to a basic extension period and a longer period for "disability.")  If not, then check the law in your state.

COBRA also covers dependents on your insurance plan such as your spouse and underage child. Continuation also applies if there is a divorce or your child comes of age.

Keep in mind that the rules are strict both for getting coverage and keeping it -- and have to be followed or you lose your right. 

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