Simple English definitions for legal terms
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COBRA is a law that helps people keep their health insurance after they leave their job. If you lose your job or get divorced, you can still get health insurance from your old employer for a certain amount of time. This gives you time to find a new job or get new insurance. You have to apply within 60 days of losing your job or getting divorced. The law is important because it helps people who might not have insurance otherwise.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) is a federal law that requires employers to offer continued group health coverage to their employees for a certain period of time after their employment has ended. This allows former employees to continue receiving health benefits at the same group rate until they can find another health insurance plan.
For example, if someone loses their job and their health insurance coverage ends, they may be eligible for COBRA coverage. This means they can continue to receive health benefits through their former employer's group plan for up to 18 to 36 months, depending on the circumstances.
COBRA coverage is also available in certain situations, such as divorce or legal separation, where a person may lose their health insurance coverage as a result. In these cases, COBRA can provide transitional coverage until the person can find a new health insurance plan.
Overall, COBRA is designed to help people maintain their health insurance coverage during times of transition, such as job loss or divorce, and ensure they have access to affordable health care.