COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)
provides rights that may enable you to continue your health
insurance coverage for a period of time after you leave work.
Continuation is a similar program available in some states
for smaller employers. The rules are complicated, but the
concept is easy. If you have had health insurance through
your employer for a specific length of time, and then lose
this coverage, you may be guaranteed to continue the health
insurance for a certain amount of time. Your spouse and child
or children may also have rights to continue the insurance.
The exception to this right is if you are terminated from
employment because of your gross misconduct or the group plan
itself ceases to exist. The later could occur if the company
goes out of business or drops their insurance coverage.
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Click here for a printable PDF of the Cobra Overview page
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You generally have 60 days
to elect COBRA coverage.
For more information see
the Department of Labor
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