The $\_\_\_\_\_$ is a federal law that requires employers to permit employees or their dependents to extend their health insurance coverage at group rates for up to $36$ months following a qualifying event, such as a layoff, reduction in hours, or the employee$$s death.

Group of answer choices

Social Security Act

Sarbanes$-$Oxley Act

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act $($COBRA$)$

Family and Medical Leave Act $($FMLA$)$

Employee Retirement Income Security Act $($ERISA$)$