COBRA
Medical abbreviation · Health Insurance
| Stands for | Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, a health insurance abbreviation also used in government and business.
US law of 1985 that lets employees and their families keep employer group health coverage temporarily after job loss, reduced hours, divorce or other qualifying events. Coverage usually lasts 18 months, or up to 36 months for some events, and the person may be charged up to 102 percent of the full premium.
Example: COBRA notice arrived: $2,150 a month to keep our family coverage.
Usage notes
COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, and many states have "mini-COBRA" laws for smaller employers. People have at least 60 days to elect coverage, which is retroactive if they elect and pay on time. Losing job-based coverage also opens a special enrollment period on the ACA marketplace, often a cheaper option.
Related abbreviations
More health insurance abbreviations
- CDHP – Consumer-directed health plan
- CDM – Charge description master (chargemaster)
- CHIP – Children's Health Insurance Program
- CMS – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- CMS-1500 – CMS-1500 claim form
- COB – Coordination of benefits
- CPT – Current Procedural Terminology
- CSR – Cost-sharing reduction
- DCFSA – Dependent care flexible spending account
- DRG – Diagnosis-related group
- EHB – Essential health benefits
- EOB – Explanation of benefits
See all 107 health insurance abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.