If you're interested in learning more about COBRA Continuation Health Coverage or VIPER® affordable COBRA alternatives, you've come to the right place. VIPER® Health Insurance is the industry standard alternative to COBRA, and the industry leading information site on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage. This website is jam-packed with useful information, FAQs, articles, resources, and services geared to help employees better understand their rights and the laws pertaining to COBRA Continuation Health Coverage.

Federal Governments Role in COBRA Continuation Coverage
What is the Federal Government's role in COBRA?

COBRA continuation coverage laws are administered by several agencies. The Departments of Labor and Treasury have jurisdiction over private-sector health group health plans. The Department of Health and Human Services administers the continuation coverage law as it affects public-sector health plans.

The Labor Department's interpretive and regulatory responsibility is limited to the disclosure and notification requirements of COBRA. If you need further information on your disclosure or notification rights under a private-sector plan, or about ERISA generally, telephone EBSA's Toll-Free Employee & Employer Hotline at: 1.866.444.3272, or write to:

U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Suite N-5619 Washington, DC 20210

The Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, has issued regulations on COBRA provisions relating to eligibility, coverage and premiums in 26 CFR Part 54, Continuation Coverage Requirements Applicable to Group Health Plans. Both the Departments of Labor and Treasury share jurisdiction for enforcement of these provisions.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services offers information about COBRA provisions for public-sector employees. You can write them at this address:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 7500 Security Boulevard Mail Stop S3-16-16 Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 Tel 410.786.3000

COBRA information and Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Learn more about COBRA continuation of health insurance by selecting a link below.

• What does COBRA Continuation Health Coverage do?
• Who is entitled to benefits under COBRA?
• Plan Coverage
• Qualified Beneficiaries
• Qualifying Events
• Qualifying Events for Employees
• Qualifying Events for Spouses
• Qualifying Events for Dependent Children
• What group health plans are subject to COBRA?
• What process must individuals follow to elect COBRA continuation coverage?
• How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?
• How do I file a COBRA claim for benefits?
• Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage?
• Is a divorced spouse entitled to COBRA coverage from their former spouses’ group health plan?
• If I waive COBRA coverage during the election period, can I still get coverage at a later date?
• Under COBRA, what benefits must be covered?
• When does COBRA coverage begin?
• How long does COBRA coverage last?
• Who pays for COBRA coverage?
• If I elect COBRA, how much do I pay?
• Can I receive COBRA benefits while on FMLA leave?
• What is the Federal Government's role in COBRA?
• I am a federal employee. Can I receive benefits under COBRA?
• Am I eligible for COBRA if my company closed or went bankrupt and there is no health plan?
• How do I find out about COBRA coverage and how do I elect to take it?
• Frequently asked COBRA health insurance questions