N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-53-10

Continuation shall only be available to an employee or member who has been continuously insured under the group policy, or for similar benefits under any other group policy that it replaced, during the period of three consecutive months immediately before the date of termination. The employee or member may elect continuation for a period of not fewer than 60 days after the date of termination or loss of eligibility. The employee or member shall make the first contribution upon the election to continue coverage, and the coverage shall be retroactive to the date of termination or loss of eligibility.