What is COBRA? The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is intended to ensure that employees and their dependents can maintain their group healthcare coverage following certain events that otherwise would result in termination of coverage. COBRA’s protections are temporary and are intended as a stopgap until insurance is obtained from another source, such as a new employer. Employers do not have to pay for any portion of the premiums for COBRA coverage, but the beneficiaries get to maintain their insurance at less expensive group rates.