COBRA Insurance Information Resource
Helping workers navigate temporary medical insurance options while between jobs and health care plans.
What Is COBRA Insurance?
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 allows workers and their qualified dependents the right to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance for a short period of time, if that insurance would stop due termination of employment, reduction in hours or changes within their immediate family.
Is COBRA Right For You?
The mission of the COBRA Insurance website is to help workers with their continuing health insurance options. Learn more about when you should continue coverage or if an affordable alternative to COBRA is your best option.
COBRA Knowledge Base
Get answers to hundreds of questions regarding continuing health insurance coverage after job loss.
Who Can Apply For Cobra?
If the company you work for employs over 20 workers and offers medical insurance, you are eligible for continuing coverage. We know you have questions about what COBRA is and how to apply for COBRA.
Mini-COBRA is Available In Some States
Depending on the state you live in, some businesses with 19 or fewer employees are required to are required to offer continuation insurance. These laws are similar to federal COBRA, but often times have different different deadlines for employer election notices and when former workers must choose. Find out if your state has a Mini-COBRA coverage contination law and see if it applies to your situation.
Top Questions
Alternative Insurance Options
When you’re facing a loss of medical coverage due to temporary gaps in employment or another factor, purchasing COBRA coverage could initially seem like the right choice to protect your health and finances. Consider these three reasons why short-term health insurance may be a better solution than COBRA.
How Does COBRA Insurance Work?
COBRA is a federal law that allows workers who leave a job (for any reason) or have a qualifying family event happen (like divorce or death) the right to remain on the same health insurance plan they previously had.
COBRA Eligibility
If the qualifying event was workplace related like quitting your job, getting fired or laid off you are eligible for up to 18 months of coverage. If the special enrollment period is triggered by a family event such as divorce or death in the family, the length of COBRA coverage is longer.
Employer Insurance Continuation Election Notice
Companies are required to notify you within 45 days from when you lost insurance coverage. It’s your choice to continue or waive your right to the COBRA health benefit.
COBRA Coverage Is Retroactive? Yes it is.
After your former employer sends you the COBRA election paperwork, you then have 60 days to respond. Don’t worry, if something happens between now and then, the insurance coverage is retroactive to the date that you lost coverage.
Continuing Coverage Is Expensive
Your previous employer isn’t responsible for your medical bills which includes the full insurance premium. You will pay all of the COBRA premium.