Final answer:
Once COBRA benefits expire, an employee like P must obtain a direct-purchase insurance policy since they are no longer covered by the employer's mandate to provide health insurance.
Step-by-step explanation:
An employee who leaves their job has to deal with transitioning from group health coverage provided by their employer to a private health insurance plan. This situation arises when an employee like P quits her job and considers converting her group health coverage to an individual policy. Following the expiration of COBRA benefits, which permit continuation of the ex-employer's group health plan, the employee must shift to a direct-purchase insurance policy.
The employer mandate compels employers with more than 50 employees to offer health insurance to their full-time employees. However, once the employee leaves the company or once COBRA benefits end, they are no longer covered by this mandate and must seek alternative coverage. In light of this, P will need to thoroughly explore the individual health insurance market to find a provider that offers a policy that best fits her needs and budget.