If you're interested in learning more about COBRA Continuation Health Coverage or VIPER® affordable COBRA alternatives, you've come to the right place. VIPER® Health Insurance is the industry standard alternative to COBRA, and the industry leading information site on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage. This website is jam-packed with useful information, FAQs, articles, resources, and services geared to help employees better understand their rights and the laws pertaining to COBRA Continuation Health Coverage.

Receiving COBRA Benefits while on FMLA Leave
Can I receive COBRA benefits while on FMLA leave?

 The Family and Medical Leave Act, effective August 5, 1993, requires an employer to maintain coverage under any group health plan for an employee on FMLA leave under the same conditions coverage would have been provided if the employee had continued working. Coverage provided under the FMLA is not COBRA coverage, and FMLA leave is not a qualifying event under COBRA. A COBRA qualifying event may occur, however, when an employer's obligation to maintain health benefits under FMLA ceases, such as when an employee notifies an employer of his or her intent not to return to work.

Further information on FMLA is available from the nearest office of the Wage and Hour Division, listed in most telephone directories under U.S. Government, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration.

COBRA information and Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Learn more about COBRA continuation of health insurance by selecting a link below.

• What does COBRA Continuation Health Coverage do?
• Who is entitled to benefits under COBRA?
• Plan Coverage
• Qualified Beneficiaries
• Qualifying Events
• Qualifying Events for Employees
• Qualifying Events for Spouses
• Qualifying Events for Dependent Children
• What group health plans are subject to COBRA?
• What process must individuals follow to elect COBRA continuation coverage?
• How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?
• How do I file a COBRA claim for benefits?
• Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage?
• Is a divorced spouse entitled to COBRA coverage from their former spouses’ group health plan?
• If I waive COBRA coverage during the election period, can I still get coverage at a later date?
• Under COBRA, what benefits must be covered?
• When does COBRA coverage begin?
• How long does COBRA coverage last?
• Who pays for COBRA coverage?
• If I elect COBRA, how much do I pay?
• Can I receive COBRA benefits while on FMLA leave?
• What is the Federal Government's role in COBRA?
• I am a federal employee. Can I receive benefits under COBRA?
• Am I eligible for COBRA if my company closed or went bankrupt and there is no health plan?
• How do I find out about COBRA coverage and how do I elect to take it?
• Frequently asked COBRA health insurance questions