{"id":355805,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/cobra-overview-the-consolidated-omnibus-budget-reconciliation-ac.html"},"modified":"2026-08-25T11:52:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T16:52:00","slug":"cobra-overview-the-consolidated-omnibus-budget-reconciliation-ac","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/cobra-overview-the-consolidated-omnibus-budget-reconciliation-ac.html","title":{"rendered":"COBRA Health Insurance Rights: Coverage and Eligibility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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COBRA Health Insurance Rights: Coverage and Eligibility <\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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COBRA lets you keep the same employer health insurance for a limited time after job loss or reduced hours, as long as you were covered the day before a qualifying event. You\u2019ll get identical benefits to active employees, but you\u2019re responsible for paying the full premium, which often makes COBRA more expensive. If COBRA isn\u2019t the right fit, losing coverage also triggers ACA special enrollment, giving you a chance to choose a new plan on the Marketplace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA), you can’t lose your health insurance coverage if you lose your job. COBRA amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to ensure that anyone who loses their job doesn’t lose health insurance. Under COBRA<\/a>, employers must extend health insurance coverage to employees who experience specific changes in employment.<\/p>\n

This article explains COBRA. Learn about coverage, qualifying events, early termination, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Losing your job, especially if you weren’t expecting it, can be jarring and unsettling. While you can continue your insurance coverage thanks to COBRA, you are now responsible for the full premium, which is an expense many can’t afford. An attorney near you<\/a> can explain your rights, review plan options, and make sure you don\u2019t go without the care you depend on.<\/p>\n

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COBRA Continuation Coverage<\/h2>\n

Before Congress passed\u00a0COBRA<\/a>, if you lost your job, you also lost your health insurance. This was often disastrous for anyone with ongoing or chronic medical conditions, as this loss could complicate their treatment. Many people remained in their jobs to maintain access to health insurance coverage. COBRA continuation coverage ensures that the employee and any qualified beneficiaries do not lose their coverage if their employment ends.<\/p>\n

COBRA applies to employers with at least 20 employees that sponsor group health insurance plans. The insurance plan administrator must notify employees of their COBRA rights within\u00a090 days\u00a0of getting health insurance coverage.<\/p>\n

Qualified Beneficiaries<\/h3>\n

Qualified beneficiaries are those covered by the employer’s group health insurance plan the day before a qualifying event. The following is a list of\u00a0potential qualified beneficiaries<\/a>:<\/p>\n