Just 28 Republicans voted for the last debt-limit hike in February 2014, when nearly all Democrats helped it pass in a tight 221-201 vote. Nine of those 28 Republicans are no longer in Congress, raising the question of whether a similar measure could pass this time.
Identification. COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. It was passed by Congress in 1985 as a means for individuals to continue health insurance coverage for a period of time after losing group coverage due to termination of employment.
COBRA is a coverage gap provision that allows you to remain on an employer's group health insurance policy by paying the entire premium up to 102 percent of the original coverage cost. You can maintain COBRA coverage for up to 18 months, although disability and other provisions can allow further extension. Maintaining this coverage allows you to benefit by keeping previously paid deductibles and will help you avoid the pre-existing condition limitations of buying new coverage.