COBRA: When Do Employees Qualify for Continuation Coverage?

While complex, COBRA is also common in workplaces around the country. What should employers know about this important policy and how should they approach its administration?

COBRA: Defined

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a set of laws put into place by the Department of Labor (DOL) in order to protect employees from the possibility of losing health insurance coverage.

Under COBRA, group health plan administrators must offer a continuation of group health insurance coverage to qualified beneficiaries for a limited period of time.

COBRA administration and compliance adds yet another layer of difficulty to successful employer administration.

Who Can Enroll in COBRA?

Qualified beneficiaries are the individuals entitled to extended group health insurance coverage under COBRA laws. COBRA qualified beneficiaries include:

Resigned Employees
Fired Employees
Employees with reduced work hours
Employees experiencing qualifying life events
Dependents & spouse of eligible employee

What Are the Exceptions to COBRA?

Employees terminated for gross misconduct are not covered
Companies with fewer than 20 employees are not required to provide extended coverage unless mandated by a state-specific COBRA laws.

What Insurance Plans Qualify for Continuation Coverage?

COBRA allots continuation coverage to nearly every group health plan provided an employee was enrolled in that particular plan prior to termination. Benefits covered under COBRA include:

Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
Physician care
Surgery and other major medical benefits
Prescription drugs
Dental and vision care

Learn more about benefits covered under COBRA.

How Much Does COBRA Cost?

The individual enrolled in an extended coverage plan will be required to pay the the entire premium amount plus 2% service charge.

Example: Sam was fired from his job but wants to receive continued coverage. Before he was terminated, he was enrolled in a health plan with a $400 premium with $250 of employer contribution. Because of his employer’s contribution, Sam only had to pay $150 per month rather than the full $400.

Now that Sam no longer works for the company, he will be responsible for the full premium of $400 plus a 2% service fee. Sam can now expect to pay a total of $408 each month if he wishes to continue his group health insurance coverage.

Additional Resources

You can stay informed, educated, and up-to-date with important HR topics using BerniePortal’s comprehensive resources:

BerniePortal Blog—a one-stop-shop for HR industry news
HR Glossary—featuring the most common HR terms, acronyms, and compliance
HR Guides—essential pillars, covering an extensive list of comprehensive HR topics
BernieU—free online HR courses, approved for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit
HR Party of One—our popular YouTube series and podcast, covering emerging HR trends and enduring HR topics