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Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

What is COBRA?

COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a federal law that allows you and any any of your immediate family members to stay on an employer-sponsored health plan under certain circumstances. 

 

For example:

  • You lose or quit your job
  • You divorce the employee
  • The employee dies

For a detailed list of qualifying events, go to the U.S. Dept. of Labor's website.

COBRA doesn't apply to everyone

  • This law applies only to employers who had 20 or more workers in the previous year.
  • State and local governments fall under COBRA, but federal plans and certain religious organizations do not.

    • Note:  Federal employees do have some similar rights under another law. Ask your human resource department for more information.

  • COBRA generally does not apply to employees who are terminated for “gross misconduct.”

Coverage can be expensive

  • Employees who select COBRA must pay the entire premium including the portion previously paid by their employer, plus a 2 percent administrative fee.

Where to go for more help

 
General COBRA questions COBRA laws and specific questions Public sector employees with COBRA questions

Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline:
800-562-6900

Email us

U.S. Dept. of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Seattle District Office

1111 Third Ave., Ste. 860
Seattle WA  98101-3212
Phone: 866-444-3272
Local phone: 206-553-4246
Fax: 206-553-0913

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

7500 Security Blvd.
Mail Stop: S3-16-16
Baltimore MD  21244-1850
Phone: 866-400-6689
Email CMS 




Updated 05/14/2012

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Need more help? Call our FREE Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900
or Email us at cap@oic.wa.gov.