Provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. This coverage, however, is only available when coverage is lost due to certain specific events. Group health coverage for COBRA participants is usually more expensive than health coverage for active employees, since usually the employer pays a part of the premium for active employees while COBRA participants generally pay the entire premium themselves. It is ordinarily less expensive, though, than individual health coverage. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides a COBRA premium reduction for eligible individuals who are involuntarily terminated from employment through the end of May 2010. The COBRA premium reduction under ARRA is not available for individuals who experience involuntary terminations after May 31, 2010. However, individuals who qualified on or before May 31, 2010 may continue to pay reduced premiums for up to 15 months, as long as they are not eligible for another group health plan or Medicare. The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010 signed by the President on July 22, 2010, did not extend the COBRA premium reduction. Individuals who qualified on or before May 31, 2010 may continue to pay reduced premiums for up to 15 months, as long as they are not eligible for another group health plan or Medicare. If your COBRA continuation coverage lasts for more than 15 months, you will need to pay the full amount to continue your COBRA continuation coverage. See FAQ Q1 clarifying the end of the COBRA ARRA subsidy. See the Fact Sheet and FAQs for important information on maintaining your COBRA coverage after your subsidy expires. Individuals who believe they have been incorrectly denied the subsidy may request the Employee Benefits Security Administration review their denial and issue a determination within 15 business days. The application to request a review is available on the web site.

Virginia's Insurance Marketplace lets you shop for, compare, and purchase affordable, high-quality health insurance plans with comprehensive coverage. Many households will be eligible for financial savings that lower the costs of health plans. Open Enrollment Period This is the yearly period from November 1 to January 15 during which you can buy health insurance through the Marketplace or make changes to your existing health plan. If you don't enroll during this time, you can't purchase a health plan until the next Open Enrollment Period - unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Special Enrollment Period A Special Enrollment Period takes place outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period. You can enroll in a health plan through the Marketplace during a Special Enrollment Period only if you experience a Qualifying Life Event.

FAMIS covers uninsured children under age 19 years whose family meets the income guidelines.