Everything you need to know about COBRA

COBRA provides the ability for you and the dependents covered on your health plan to keep coverage after you lose your job or lose coverage for other reasons. You are eligible for COBRA if your company’s health plan covers at least 20 employees and you have had an acceptable “qualifying event.” A qualifying event is something that causes you or your dependents to lose health coverage, such as termination, loss of full-time status at work, divorce or legal separation. If you have one of these events, your employer will notify you of your option to enroll in COBRA coverage within 14 days and you will have at least 60 days to decide if you want to enroll. You can keep COBRA coverage for 18 or 36 months, depending upon the qualifying event.