Under which law do individuals maintain the right to keep their group health insurance after job loss?

The correct answer is COBRA, which stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. This federal law allows individuals who have lost their job, or experienced a reduction in work hours, to keep their group health insurance coverage for a limited period. Under COBRA, eligible employees and their dependents can continue their health benefits under the same group plan, ensuring continuity of coverage during a transitional period.

COBRA is essential for individuals who may need ongoing medical treatment or preventive care and would otherwise face a gap in coverage after employment ends. It is particularly significant because it provides a safety net for people who might not immediately find new employment or switch to a new health insurance plan. Eligible individuals typically have 60 days from their employment termination or reduction in hours to decide whether to elect continuation coverage under COBRA, which can last for up to 18 months in most cases.

This law emerged as a response to the need for health insurance coverage continuity, protecting individuals from losing their health benefits unexpectedly due to job loss. The other laws, such as HIPAA, ERISA, and FMLA, address different aspects of healthcare and employment rights but do not specifically grant the right to maintain group health insurance coverage after job loss.