What happens to my health insurance coverage if I lose my job?

If you lost your job, you may be able to continue your health coverage under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). You can enroll in your spouse’s plan or elect COBRA coverage through your former employer’s plan.  HIPAA protects you if you lose your job and health coverage. When you find a new job that offers health benefits, HIPAA will allow you to enroll in the plan with fewer restrictions. The law also provides opportunities to enroll in a group health plan if you lose other coverage, limits the ability of a new employer’s plan to exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, prohibits discrimination against employees and their dependents based on health factors, and guarantees you access to individual health insurance policies.  Check your plan documents or ask your plan administrator to see if your plan is insured. If it is, contact your state insurance commissioner’s office to see what your state law provides.