The Reality Reports

For a business with fewer than 20 employees, health insurance can be one of the most valuable benefits offered. It can help attract workers, improve retention, and give employees access to medical care at group rates. The challenge is finding coverage that balances premiums, deductibles, provider access, and the amount the employer can afford to contribute.

What COBRA Actually Means: COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act , a federal law passed in 1985. This law gives workers and their families the right to keep their group health insurance coverage for a limited time after certain life events.  These events include losing your job, reducing your work hours, transitioning between jobs, divorce, or other major changes. Without COBRA, you might face a gap in health coverage during times when you need it most.