If I change jobs or become unemployed, can
I bring my coverage with me?
If you switch employers, you have the right to carry your group
health insurance coverage with you to a new job for up to 18 months
under the Congressional Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
You must pay the full premium, but at group rates that are far cheaper
than the individual rates you would pay for similar coverage. Health
insurance under COBRA is available if you are in these situations:
- You leave a company and become unemployed or self-employed for
up to 18 months.
- You are a widow or widower or child of an employee who dies
while working for the same company for three years or more.
- You are the divorced spouse or child of an employee who has
left the company he or she was employed at for at least three
years.
- You are the child of an employee who left a job and have not
yet reached age 23.
NOTE: If you need COBRA benefits, you must fill out
the appropriate forms from your employer’s benefits department within
60 days of leaving your job. If you do not act within that time, you
may be denied coverage. With Permission © Insurance
Information Institute, Inc. - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED -
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