COBRA
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
COBRA gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for typically up to 18 months.
COBRA vs. Individual/Family Health Plan
COBRA Coverage Details:
Allows you to continue group coverage.
Good when you are in the middle of treatment.
Group plans sometimes give you extra coverage.
COBRA can be expensive depending on your situation.
You are responsible for your full insurance premium.
What you need to know - all the nuts and bolts
Individual/Family ACA (Affordable Care Act) Rules
Losing group health coverage qualifies you for a special enrollment period for individual/family health insurance coverage.
You must apply within 60 days of losing employer group coverage.
You are also eligible to apply for a federal subsidy (a subsidy reduces your monthly health insurance premium) during your 60-day special enrollment period.
COBRA administration (groups with 20 or more employees)
State continuation of coverage (groups with 19 or fewer employees & groups not subject to COBRA)
State-mandated continuation of coverage is available to the employee, eligible spouse and dependents if he or she has been covered continuously under your group contract, or a similar predecessor group health plan, during the three-month period prior to the date of termination of employment or membership.
Important: In Oregon, benefits-eligible individuals must request state continuation coverage in writing to their employer within 10 days after the date on which their coverage under your group contract would otherwise end.
The eligible employee, spouse or dependent must also make the full monthly payment in advance to you each month.
State continuation last up to 9 months.