COBRA definition: Copy, customize, and use instantly

Introduction

The term "COBRA" refers to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, which allows employees and their families to continue their health insurance coverage for a limited time after certain qualifying events. This provision is essential for providing individuals with the option to maintain their insurance benefits when experiencing job loss, reduction in work hours, or other changes in employment status.

Below are various examples of how "COBRA" can be defined in different contexts. Copy the one that fits your needs, customize it, and use it in your contract.

Definition of "COBRA" as it relates to employee benefits continuation

This definition ties "COBRA" to employee health benefits continuation.

"COBRA" refers to the provision under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act that allows employees and their dependents to maintain group health insurance coverage following the occurrence of certain qualifying events, such as job termination or reduction in hours.

Definition of "COBRA" as applied to health insurance coverage

This definition links "COBRA" to health insurance continuation.

"COBRA" means the continuation of health insurance coverage for employees and their families following qualifying events, which include involuntary termination, resignation, or reduction in working hours.

Definition of "COBRA" as applicable to qualifying events

This definition connects "COBRA" to qualifying events.

"COBRA" refers to the provision of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act that allows individuals to continue their health insurance coverage for up to 18 months following qualifying events such as loss of employment or change in work status.

Definition of "COBRA" in relation to employer responsibilities

This definition applies "COBRA" to employer obligations.

"COBRA" means the employer's responsibility under federal law to offer continued health insurance benefits to employees and their families after certain qualifying events, including layoffs and reductions in work hours.

This definition ties "COBRA" to dependent benefits.

"COBRA" refers to the continued eligibility for health insurance coverage under a group health plan, not only for the employee but also for their dependents, after a qualifying event such as divorce, death of the covered employee, or reduction in hours.

Definition of "COBRA" in the event of job termination

This definition connects "COBRA" to job loss.

"COBRA" means the right of an individual and their family members to continue health insurance coverage for a specified period after termination of employment, provided that the individual was covered under the employer’s health plan at the time of employment separation.

Definition of "COBRA" as applied to family members

This definition links "COBRA" to family continuation.

"COBRA" refers to the option for family members of an employee to maintain health coverage after a qualifying event such as the employee’s death, divorce, or legal separation, as long as the employee was covered under the employer’s health plan at the time.

Definition of "COBRA" for short-term coverage

This definition ties "COBRA" to short-term benefits.

"COBRA" means the provision that allows employees and their dependents to temporarily continue their health insurance coverage after a qualifying event, typically lasting between 18 to 36 months, depending on the specific event.

Definition of "COBRA" as a continuation of group health insurance

This definition connects "COBRA" to group insurance plans.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of group health insurance coverage for employees and their families following a qualifying event, ensuring that individuals do not lose their health coverage when facing employment changes.

Definition of "COBRA" in relation to employee eligibility

This definition ties "COBRA" to employee eligibility.

"COBRA" means the right of employees and their families to elect to continue their health insurance coverage after certain qualifying events, provided that the employee had been enrolled in the employer’s health plan before the qualifying event occurred.

Definition of "COBRA" as it pertains to health plan administrators

This definition links "COBRA" to administrative duties.

"COBRA" refers to the obligation of health plan administrators to offer continued coverage options to eligible employees and their dependents following qualifying events, including the requirement to provide timely notice and election forms.

Definition of "COBRA" for part-time employees

This definition applies "COBRA" to part-time employment scenarios.

"COBRA" means the right of part-time employees to maintain health coverage under their employer’s group health plan after they experience a reduction in work hours, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for continuation under the act.

Definition of "COBRA" in case of employer bankruptcy

This definition ties "COBRA" to bankruptcy events.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of health benefits under an employer’s group plan for employees and their families after a qualifying event, even in cases of employer bankruptcy, where the employer’s health plan continues to operate.

This definition connects "COBRA" to state law variations.

"COBRA" means the continuation of health benefits in compliance with both federal and applicable state laws, which may provide additional requirements beyond the federal COBRA provisions, such as extended coverage periods or specific notice requirements.

Definition of "COBRA" as applicable to self-employed individuals

This definition links "COBRA" to self-employment situations.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of health insurance benefits for self-employed individuals, who may be required to pay for their continuation of health coverage through the employer’s group plan, provided they were previously covered under that plan.

Definition of "COBRA" in relation to the election period

This definition connects "COBRA" to election procedures.

"COBRA" means the period during which an employee or their family members must elect to continue coverage after a qualifying event, with the election period typically lasting at least 60 days from the notice of the event.

Definition of "COBRA" for notification requirements

This definition applies "COBRA" to notification obligations.

"COBRA" refers to the requirement for employers to provide written notice to employees and their dependents of their right to elect continued health coverage following a qualifying event, in accordance with the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.

Definition of "COBRA" for government employees

This definition ties "COBRA" to government sectors.

"COBRA" means the provision that allows federal, state, and local government employees to continue health insurance coverage under their employer’s health plan following qualifying events, similar to private sector workers, though sometimes with different eligibility criteria.

Definition of "COBRA" as a voluntary program

This definition links "COBRA" to voluntary continuation.

"COBRA" refers to the voluntary program that allows eligible employees and their families to choose to continue their health insurance coverage for a limited time after employment changes, such as termination or reduction in hours.

Definition of "COBRA" in relation to premium payments

This definition ties "COBRA" to payment obligations.

"COBRA" means the requirement for employees or their dependents to pay the full premium amount for continued health insurance coverage, including both the employee’s and employer’s share of the premium, along with any applicable administrative fees.

Definition of "COBRA" as applied to healthcare providers

This definition links "COBRA" to healthcare providers.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of health insurance coverage under the employer’s health plan, where healthcare providers must honor the continuation of coverage for services rendered during the COBRA coverage period.

Definition of "COBRA" in relation to the 36-month extension

This definition applies "COBRA" to extended coverage.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of health benefits for up to 36 months in specific cases, such as the death of the covered employee, divorce, or a dependent reaching the age limit for coverage under the plan.

Definition of "COBRA" as a benefit under the Affordable Care Act

This definition ties "COBRA" to ACA provisions.

"COBRA" means the continuation of health insurance benefits that may be offered to employees under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ensuring that individuals who lose coverage due to job loss or reduction in hours can continue benefits for a limited time.

Definition of "COBRA" in relation to HIPAA privacy regulations

This definition links "COBRA" to privacy concerns.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of health coverage, while ensuring that the privacy of personal health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) during the COBRA continuation period.

Definition of "COBRA" for family medical leave

This definition connects "COBRA" to family leave scenarios.

"COBRA" means the continuation of health insurance coverage for employees who take family medical leave, allowing them to retain health benefits during the period of leave, under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Definition of "COBRA" as an alternative to private health insurance

This definition applies "COBRA" to private insurance options.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of group health insurance coverage, offering an alternative to purchasing individual private health insurance after a qualifying event, such as job loss.

Definition of "COBRA" in relation to unemployment benefits

This definition ties "COBRA" to unemployment scenarios.

"COBRA" means the continuation of health insurance benefits for individuals who qualify for unemployment benefits after a qualifying event, ensuring that they can maintain health coverage during unemployment.

Definition of "COBRA" as part of an employee benefits package

This definition links "COBRA" to employee benefits.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of health insurance as part of an employee benefits package, ensuring that individuals and their dependents can maintain coverage when facing employment changes.

This definition applies "COBRA" to marital situations.

"COBRA" refers to the continuation of health coverage under the employer’s plan for an employee’s former spouse or dependents following a legal separation or divorce, as long as they were previously covered under the plan.

Definition of "COBRA" in relation to worker’s compensation claims

This definition ties "COBRA" to worker’s compensation cases.

"COBRA" means the continuation of health insurance coverage for employees who are receiving worker’s compensation, allowing them to keep health benefits even if they are unable to work.

Definition of "COBRA" as an alternative to state continuation laws

This definition links "COBRA" to state law compliance.

"COBRA" refers to the federal continuation of health insurance benefits, which may apply in addition to or as an alternative to state continuation laws that provide similar coverage options for employees and their dependents.

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.