What act protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families when they change or lose their jobs?

The correct choice is COBRA, which stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. This act provides important protections for individuals who may be at risk of losing their health insurance coverage due to changes in employment, such as job loss or a reduction in work hours. COBRA ensures that employees and their families have the right to continue their health insurance coverage for a limited period, typically up to 18 months, under their employer's group health plan. This continuity of coverage is crucial for maintaining access to necessary medical care during transitions in employment.

While the other acts listed address various aspects of healthcare, they do not specifically focus on the preservation of health insurance coverage following job changes. The Patient Self-Determination Act deals with patients' rights regarding their healthcare decisions, the Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) primarily focuses on the privacy and security of health information, rather than on job-related health coverage. Thus, COBRA is the act that directly provides the protections in question.