The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) provides employees and their families who lose health care benefits the opportunity to continue group health benefits for limited periods of time under certain circumstances.
COBRA generally requires group health plans sponsored by an employer with 20 or more employees to comply with COBRA. However, the majority of states have passed their own so-called "mini-COBRA" laws that cover smaller employers or may otherwise provide greater rights than COBRA.
COBRA contains strict rules for how continuation coverage may be offered, elected and terminated. COBRA also requires an employer to provide covered individuals with specific notices explaining their rights under COBRA.