The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) amended the Internal Revenue Code in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA).

The basics of the law provide continuation of certain insurance benefits for participants (qualified beneficiaries) who may have lost benefits because of specific events (COBRA qualifying events). The length of the continuation is determined by the event causing the loss of coverage.

While the law addresses continuation of insurance benefit rights, it is not a law mandating insurance carriers or third party administrators. COBRA is NOT an insurance law; it is an employer law.

For your convenience, please click on the link below to be taken directly to the Department of Labor site.

Continuation of Health Coverage — COBRA