Which law helps workers and their families keep group health coverage during times of voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in hours, transition between jobs, and certain other cases?

Which law helps workers and their families keep group health coverage during times of voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in hours, transition between jobs, and certain other cases?

• A. ERISA
• B. COBRA
• C. HIPAA
• D. Affordable Care Act

Answer: (B)

COBRA is the rule that lets workers and their families keep their group health coverage after experiences that would normally end it, such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, a reduction in hours, or a transition between jobs. It requires the employer’s plan to offer extended coverage for a limited time (typically 18 months, potentially longer in some cases) as long as the person pays the full premium plus a small administrative fee. This continuation helps people stay insured while they navigate new employment or other changes. The other laws work in related areas—ERISA governs how plans are run and protected, HIPAA covers privacy and some portability protections, and the Affordable Care Act broadens access and coverage rules—but COBRA specifically provides the option to maintain existing group coverage after qualifying events.

COBRA is the rule that lets workers and their families keep their group health coverage after experiences that would normally end it, such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, a reduction in hours, or a transition between jobs. It requires the employer’s plan to offer extended coverage for a limited time (typically 18 months, potentially longer in some cases) as long as the person pays the full premium plus a small administrative fee. This continuation helps people stay insured while they navigate new employment or other changes. The other laws work in related areas—ERISA governs how plans are run and protected, HIPAA covers privacy and some portability protections, and the Affordable Care Act broadens access and coverage rules—but COBRA specifically provides the option to maintain existing group coverage after qualifying events.