Continuation of Benefits (COBRA) in New Jersey (NJ)

COBRA is an acronym for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, a federally regulated law that gives employees and their eligible dependents the opportunity to remain in their employer's group coverage when they would otherwise lose coverage because of certain qualifying events (see COBRA Events immediately below). COBRA coverage is available for limited time periods (see Duration of COBRA Coverage, below) and the member must pay the full cost of the coverage plus an administrative fee. The member and/or dependent can increase or decrease their level of coverage; for example, the member can add dependents or elect coverage he or she did not have before.