{"id":357825,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/cobra-insurance-rights.html"},"modified":"2025-04-17T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T05:00:00","slug":"cobra-insurance-rights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/cobra-insurance-rights.html","title":{"rendered":"What to Know About COBRA Insurance When You Lose Your Job"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What to Know About COBRA Insurance When You Lose Your Job<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, 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

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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

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COBRA insurance allows employees who lose their jobs to continue their existing group health coverage for a limited period. Eligibility requires that the employee was covered by the group health plan before termination and that the employer had 20 or more employees. COBRA coverage can last from 18 to 36 months, depending on the qualifying event.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Losing a job is difficult enough without the extra stress of losing your health insurance plan. Fortunately, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is in place. Established in 1986, this federal law allows employees to continue their existing health coverage for a limited period after job loss or other qualifying change. <\/p>\n

If you’ve lost your job and need guidance on COBRA insurance, an attorney can help you understand your rights and options. Contact a local employment attorney<\/a> to ensure you get the coverage you are entitled to during this transition.<\/p>\n

This article answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about COBRA law. It will give you a better understanding of your rights to continued insurance coverage.<\/p>\n

Are You Eligible for COBRA Insurance?<\/h2>\n

Both full-time and part-time employees can receive continuing COBRA insurance<\/a> coverage, subject to eligibility requirements. These factors include:<\/p>\n