COBRA Frequently Asked Questions
The COBRA Insurance Frequently Asked Questions and Knowledge Base provides answers to common questions about COBRA coverage. Topics include eligibility, costs, and the enrollment process.
COBRA is a Federal Law
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, also known as COBRA, requires most employers (with 20 or more employees) with group health plans to offer employees the opportunity to continue temporarily their group health care coverage under their employer’s plan if their coverage otherwise would end due to a qualifying event.
Information on the origins of COBRA insurance, its federal requirements, and the rules for health coverage continuation can be found on the History and Law Behind COBRA Health Insurance Continuation page.
COBRA Administrators
Responsible for enrollments and receiving COBRA premiums. This is someone in the human resources department or a third-party administrator the company uses.
COBRA Health Insurance Carriers
A requirement of the COBRA law is that the continuation of health insurance be the same medical plan, with the same insurance carrier that you had when an employer subsidized a portion of premium.
Qualifying Events for COBRA
Eligibility for COBRA starts with a qualifying event that would end an employees access to their group health insurance, such as a termination, layoff, change in employment status . Read more about all qualifying events for employees and dependents on a work health plan.
Check your COBRA Eligibility:
Take the COBRA Eligibility SurveyState by State Continuation
Federal COBRA law allows eligible individuals to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance after losing coverage, and this applies to those who worked for a business with 20 or more employees.
Some states have additional laws, often called Mini-COBRA, that extend continuation rights beyond the federal requirements. These state laws may apply to smaller employers or offer longer coverage periods, different notice rules, or added premium protections.
Contact Information
Your work health insurance continuation is managed by the employer who provides the plan.