For the insured, what changes are made to both coverage and premiums under the Consolidated...

Under theConsolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), insured individuals who lose group health coverage due to certain qualifying events are allowed to continue the same group coverage for a limited period. Pennsylvania Life and Health Insurance education materials emphasize that COBRA continuation coverage must beidenticalto the coverage provided under the original group health plan.

While coverage remains unchanged, the cost to the insured increases significantly. Under COBRA, the insured may be required to pay up to 102% of the total premium, which includes both the employee and employer portions plus an administrative fee. This represents a substantial increase compared to the employee’s prior contribution under the employer-sponsored plan.

COBRA does not reduce benefits or alter out-of-pocket expenses related to deductibles or copayments. The only change is the shift in premium responsibility from employer-supported coverage to full premium payment by the insured.

Therefore, the correct and verified answer is option C: coverage remains the same, while premiums increase.