COBRA insurance is a special type of healthcare coverage designed to protect people who lose their jobs or experience other changes that would otherwise cause their policy to end. It gets its name from the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. Under this law, you can temporarily continue to receive benefits.

There are specific qualifiers. For example, it applies to people who lose their job voluntarily or involuntarily. It can also help those who experience a reduction in work hours, those going through a divorce or surviving family members after the death of a covered employee.

When one of these qualifying events occurs, you will receive a notification from the employer about COBRA. COBRA insurance typically lasts 18 to 36 months, depending on the event that triggered it.

There are many benefits to COBRA. Here are a few of the biggest.

Bridging Coverage Gaps

One common problem with people transitioning to a new job is the gap in healthcare coverage. Millions of Americans rely on employer-sponsored health plans. So when they suddenly don't qualify, they're at risk of footing the bill for medical expenses.

COBRA protects individuals, ensuring they continue having coverage as they search for a new job. It bridges the gap from one employer-sponsored plan to the next.

Helping Family Members

It's not just the employee who depends on health insurance from their employer. Families need it, too. Employer-sponsored health plans make it more affordable to get coverage for spouses and children. So when an individual loses their job, and the standard policy ends, an entire family can be at risk.

COBRA ensures that coverage continues. It also helps people experiencing major life changes due to death or divorce. For example, a spouse can use COBRA to maintain coverage after a divorce. Families can also use it to get coverage after the main employee policyholder dies.

Ultimately, COBRA makes it easier for people to get the coverage they need. In the United States, health insurance and employment go hand in hand. COBRA reduces that reliance, protecting employees and families during transitionary periods.

Author Resource:-

Daniel Stewart has been helping people with their money management and personal finance with over 15 years’ experience in business finance. You can find his thoughts at health investment blog.