Under what condition can COBRA provide continuation of group coverage to terminated employees?

COBRA, which stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, provides certain employees and their families the right to continue group health insurance coverage under specific circumstances after a qualifying event, such as termination of employment.

The condition of having 20 or more employees is crucial because COBRA applies to group health plans maintained by employers with this minimum number of employees. If a company's workforce meets this threshold, it is subject to COBRA's requirements. This means that eligible employees who lose their coverage due to job loss or other qualifying events are entitled to continue their health insurance for a limited period, typically up to 18 months, as long as they meet the conditions set forth by COBRA.

While requesting continuation of coverage and paying premiums are important aspects of the process, they do not determine eligibility for COBRA coverage. Continuation under COBRA is specifically related to the size of the employer's workforce, making the presence of 20 or more employees the decisive factor for offering this benefit. Additionally, there is no stipulation that part-time work affects COBRA eligibility, as the act applies based on group coverage standards rather than individual employment status.