More Health Insurance Topics

The following articles are available to give better context to the world of health insurance.

Health insurance can feel complicated, but knowing a few key terms makes it easier to manage your care and costs. Learn the language of Health Insurance.

Depending on the health plan you choose you may or may be able to obtain coverage due to preexisting conditions. Here’s a list of preexisting conditions.

It doesn’t matter why you may have lost employer health insurance, but when you do it opens up a Special Enrollment Period to find new Affordable Care Act coverage.

If you are let go from your job due to “gross misconduct” the employer does not have to extend your health insurance. Learn what constitutes Gross Misconduct.

COBRA is not considered active employer coverage, so delaying Medicare while on COBRA can cause penalties and coverage gaps. Learn how to “Avoid the COBRA Trap”.

A qualified beneficiary is someone who can keep health insurance coverage through COBRA after a qualifying event, such as losing a job or having work hours reduced. This status may apply to the employee, a spouse, or dependent children. Learn more about qualified beneficiaries.

Failing to meet COBRA requirements can lead to serious consequences for employers, including steep IRS taxes, Department of Labor fines, and even lawsuits from employees. These penalties can add up quickly and create significant financial risk. Learn more about the penalties employers face.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. During FMLA leave, employers must maintain your group health coverage on the same terms as if you were working. Unlike COBRA, FMLA does not provide continued coverage after employment ends, it only protects your job and benefits during approved leave. More about FMLA and COBRA differences.

If your employer has 19 or fewer employees, the COBRA law does not apply. That does not mean they are off the hook for providing continued benefits. Read more about the small business exemption.