COBRA Health Coverage: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to maintain your group health insurance after leaving a job and understand the costs involved.
COBRA allows you to keep the same group health insurance you had while working, even after you leave your job.
Who it's for
This is for workers who have lost their job or have left their employer for any reason.
What you get
You receive a temporary continuation of the same group health coverage you had through your previous employer.
What it costs you
The cost is higher than when you were employed because you must pay the full premium yourself. This includes both the portion you used to pay and the portion your employer used to cover.
The catch to know
Because you are now paying the entire cost of the plan instead of sharing it with an employer, it is extremely expensive compared to the coverage you had while working.
How to apply
- Review the notice sent to you by your former employer regarding your rights.
- Contact your former employer's human resources or benefits department to request enrollment.
- Follow the specific instructions provided to select your plan and set up payments.