Which act allows employees to buy insurance after losing coverage?

The correct answer is the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), which specifically allows employees who lose health coverage due to certain qualifying events—such as job loss, reduction in hours, or other life changes—to continue their group health insurance for a limited period. COBRA requires employers to offer the option to maintain health insurance coverage for up to 18 months (and in some cases, longer) under the same plan that the employee previously had.

This act is significant because it ensures that employees and their families can retain critical health insurance coverage during a transitional period, preventing gaps in health care access when they might need it most. The other acts listed address different issues: the Drug Free Workplace Act focuses on maintaining a drug-free environment in federal agencies and among federal contractors, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects older workers from age discrimination in employment, and the Family and Medical Leave Act provides job protection for employees who take leave for family and medical reasons. Each of these acts has a specific purpose, but only COBRA addresses the specific need for maintaining health insurance after losing coverage.