What if my employer won't pay for my healthcare while I'm on military duty?

If your employer does not continue paying the cost of your health coverage, federal law entitles you to continuation of coverage. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continue coverage for you and your dependents. USERRA allows for up to 24 months continuation and COBRA coverage is generally available for up to 18 months. You may need to pay 102 percent of the full premium for coverage. If you opt not to continue the coverage through USERRA or COBRA, your spouse or dependent still can. Under USERRA if you return to the same employer after your active duty ends, your employer must allow you to resume health plan coverage without a waiting period.