Which program provides continuation of coverage, allowing individuals to pay to keep their coverage after leaving a job?

• A. The Affordable Care Act
• B. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
• C. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• D. National Mental Health Act (NMHA)

Answer: (B)

Continuation of employer-sponsored health coverage after leaving a job is provided by COBRA. It lets you keep the same group health plan for a limited period when a qualifying event occurs, such as job loss or reduced hours, by paying the full premium (often with a small admin fee). This arrangement helps prevent gaps in coverage while you transition to other options, like an individual market plan or ACA marketplace coverage. In most situations, the continuation period is 18 months, with possible extensions (for example, disability can extend up to 29 months, and certain other events can extend to 36 months). While the ACA broadens access to health insurance generally, it does not automatically extend an employer plan after leaving a job. HIPAA offers portability and privacy protections, but not the same continuation mechanism, and the National Mental Health Act is not the program that provides this coverage. So the option that specifically allows paying to keep coverage after leaving a job is COBRA.