COBRA - The "Consolidated Omnibus Budget Resolution Act," or COBRA, is a federal law that allows employees who are losing their medical coverage to purchase health insurance, at full cost, from their former employer for 18 months.  This allows retiring teachers, state and municipal employees to keep the health care coverage they received as active employees for 18 months, but they must pay the full cost

Retiring state employees may pay the full cost of the plan plus a 2% administrative fee to extend the health care coverage they enjoyed as active employees for up to 18 months by enrolling in COBRA.  If you are a retiring state employee, you will be mailed COBRA information 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.