Reporter’s Note – New Premium-free COBRA Option Allows Eligible Consumers to Continue Coverage for Free Until September

MEDIA AVAILABILITY – To speak with Cheryl Fish-Parcham, Families USA’s Director of Access Initiatives, about the new premium-free COBRA options or other consumer health care issues, please contact Lisa Holland, lholland@familiesusa.org.

New Premium-free COBRA Option Allows Eligible Consumers to

Continue Coverage for Free Until September

Consumers who had health insurance through their jobs in 2020 and 2021 until they lost employment or hours due to COVID-19 might now be able to continue that coverage for free until September 2021.

Premium-free COBRA (continuation of health coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a new option for getting health insurance coverage this year. Families USA has created this fact sheet to help people get the coverage they need during these unprecedented times.

The fact sheet answers a variety of key questions on eligibility, enrollment process and other pertinent topics. It also features a list of local, state and national resources.

Most importantly, it provides guidance, including warning consumers that COBRA is available only through their former employer or health plan and not to be fooled by websites that pretend to sell COBRA insurance since they may be frauds.