Who pays the premium for departing employees who continue their group coverage through COBRA?

The government does not pay premiums for COBRA coverage. Instead, COBRA is a federal law that allows employees to continue their health insurance after leaving employment, but it does not provide financial support for the premiums. Therefore, the government has no financial obligation in this context.

The former employer is not responsible for paying premiums under COBRA. While they are required to offer the option for continuation of coverage, the responsibility for the payment of premiums rests solely with the employee. The employer may contribute to the cost of health insurance while the employee is still employed, but that support ends upon termination.

The new employer is not responsible for paying COBRA premiums for a departing employee from a previous employer. COBRA is tied to the previous employer’s health plan, and any continuation of coverage must be paid by the former employee, regardless of their employment status with a new employer.