COBRA - The "Consolidated Omnibus Budget Resolution Act," or COBRA, is a federal law that allows employees and their covered dependents who are losing their medical coverage to purchase health insurance from their former employer for 18 months after date of retirement. Retiring state employees and their covered dependents may pay the full cost of the plan plus a 2% administrative fee to extend the State employee health plan for up to 18 months by enrolling in COBRA.  COBRA information will be mailed to you from United Healthcare as soon as your termination of employment paperwork is received by the Office of Employee Benefits.

COBRA is offered to retiring teachers and municipal employees through their school district or municipality, not the Employees' Retirement System of Rhode Island.  If you are a retired teacher or municipal employee, please contact your former employer's personnel officer for COBRA health care information.