Cobra Health Insurance

Choices for Coverage Continuation

Consider a UnitedHealthOne^SM plan as an alternative to COBRA.

Deserving or not, COBRA insurance has a reputation for being hard to decipher. Even its name, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, is complicated. But acronyms and fine print aside, the purpose of COBRA health insurance is straightforward: temporary continuation of your health insurance after you exit a job.

COBRA’s Benefits and Drawbacks

Congress created COBRA insurance in 1986 as an amendment to existing health care related laws. Through COBRA health insurance, certain former employees and retirees, as well as their spouses, former spouses and dependents, have the right to continue on an employer’s group health coverage for 18 to 36 months, unless they’re fired for gross misconduct.

Employers typically pay all or part of your health premium while you’re working. But employers are not required to pay for COBRA insurance benefits after you leave a job. Instead, the entire cost comes out of your pocket. Some employers also charge an additional two percent administrative fee for keeping you on their health insurance plans through COBRA.

Explore Your Options

Many people prefer a less expensive alternative to COBRA health insurance. Are you one of them? UnitedHealthOne^SM makes it easy to find a strong health insurance plan that fits your budget. It takes just a few seconds to get a quick quote tailored to your age, gender, and location.

Need more help? Licensed UnitedHealthOne^SM Product Advisors are available seven days per week to answer all your questions and provide recommendations. If you’re in a hurry, we can even help you fill out an application over the phone. Just call (800) 444-8990.

If you’ve recently left a job, you need to find replacement health insurance fast. UnitedHealthOne^SM plans are underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, a member of the UnitedHealthcare family.

Benefits Include:

Big network with over 754,000 doctors and 5,400 hospitals¹
Deductible Credit, which can effectively reduce your deductible up to 50%

Learn more: COBRA Alternatives FAQs

¹ UnitedHealth Group Annual Form 10-K for year ending 12/31/11. ² Does not apply to benefit and address changes requested by the insured or mandated by law. Read more about COBRA health coverage from the United States Department of Labor. Personal insurance is not the same as COBRA, so review your COBRA information carefully. Your time to elect COBRA is limited by law. Failure to elect and exhaust COBRA will eliminate HIPAA eligibility. You may have additional rights under state law. For costs, benefits, exclusions, limitations, eligibility, and renewal terms, call a licensed Product Advisor to discuss your health insurance options at (800) 444-8990.

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