It is commonly known that the United States is one of few countries that has no form of universal healthcare.
When entering the United States for employment, be aware of when health insurance benefits commence; it is likely that health insurance is not covered prior to beginning employment.
<aside> ⚠️ People entering the United States for employment should be aware of when their health insurance benefit commences as they may not be covered prior to the commencement
</aside>
Individuals/families can purchase personal health insurance if they wish to be protected prior to receiving employment-provided coverage.
There is no requirement for employers to continue health insurance coverage by default. However, in 1985, US Congress passed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) that mandates employers to provide an option for employees to purchase a continuation of their health insurance after leaving their employer.
<aside> 💡 People can purchase a continuation of employee-sponsored health insurance as this service required for all employers due to COBRA
</aside>
Most companies also continue health insurance coverage until the end of the calendar month, but there is no requirement for companies to do so.
<aside> 💡 Most companies continue health insurance coverage until the end of the calendar month; note that this is not always the case as there is no requirement for employers to continue services by default
</aside>
The United States, as well as Papua New Guinea, and a few island countries in the Pacific Ocean, are the only countries in the world that do have require employers to provide paid time off for new parents.
<aside> ⚠️ Check to see employee provided paid time off for maternity/paternity leave as this is not necessarily provided in the United States
</aside>