COBRA Health Insurance

COBRA (short for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) provides a needed connection between health plans for qualified workers, their spouses, and their dependent children when their health insurance might otherwise be cut off.

COBRA has been hailed as an important safety net for families going through a tragedy like unemployment, divorce, or death.

When enrolled in COBRA, if you voluntarily resign from a job or are terminated for any reason other than "gross misconduct" you are guaranteed the right to continue your former employer's group plan as individual or family health care coverage for up to 18 months at your own expense. In many cases, your spouse and dependent children are also eligible for COBRA coverage, sometimes for as long as three years. However, individual plans - that is, plans you buy on your own, rather than through work or an association - are not subject to COBRA law, and once you lose that coverage, you won't be able to get an extension under COBRA.

Find state specific information below: