What does COBRA generally allow in the context of group health insurance?

COBRA (the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) generally allows eligible employees and their covered dependents to temporarily continue their group health coverage after a qualifying event — such as job loss, reduction in hours, or certain family changes — that would otherwise end the coverage. The continued coverage typically lasts for a limited period (commonly up to 18 months, longer in some situations), and the individual usually must pay the entire premium, including the portion the employer previously paid, plus a small administrative fee. COBRA applies to employers of a certain size. Understanding COBRA's continuation purpose and its limited duration and full-premium cost is standard content.