In most states, mini-COBRA is only available if the person (who would otherwise be losing coverage) was covered under the employer's health plan for at least three consecutive months prior to the date the coverage would have terminated without state continuation. These states have adopted their own “mini-COBRA” legislation to expand the coverage requirement to businesses with as few as two full-time employees.This article will explain the basics of federal and state COBRA laws concluding with a list of the 40 states that have enacted mini-COBRA expansions. COBRA doesn't apply to everyone.
Exceptions to this are noted below, in the section that details the rules for each state. No, the Mini-COBRA law does not have any provisions for extensions. The law does not apply, however, to plans sponsored by the Federal Government or by churches and certain church-related organizations. State mini-COBRA terms can differ quite significantly from those provided by the standard federal COBRA, so make sure you examine closely the coverage terms and eligibility rules of your state’s Mini-COBRA … For groups subject to COBRA, Texas law allows an additional six (6) months of coverage after COBRA ends. Forty states and the District of Columbia have passed similar "mini-COBRA" laws that apply to firms with fewer than 20 employees.
In addition, many states have laws similar to COBRA, including those that apply to health insurers of employers with less than 20 employees (sometimes called mini-COBRA). Federal COBRA laws have specifically-defined qualifying … The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ... of employers having fewer than 20 employees and are often called mini-COBRA plans. New Jersey: employers with two to 50 employees must comply with the state’s Mini-COBRA law. If you have exhausted your COBRA coverage, you may continue coverage for six additional months following any period of coverage continuation under COBRA. COBRA participants are eligible for the additional six (6) months of continuation coverage after 18, 29, or 36 months of COBRA coverage. State Continuation is a state-based requirement similar to COBRA that applies to group health insurance policies of employers with fewer than 20 employees. The law does not apply, however, to plans sponsored by the federal government or by churches and certain church-related organizations. The law applies only to fully insured groups. Eligible individuals pay only 35% of the COBRA or New Jersey Continuation premium and have no responsibility for the remaining 65% of the COBRA or New Jersey Continuation premium. In some states, state continuation coverage rules also apply to larger group insurance policies and add to COBRA protections post COBRA. COBRA participants are eligible for the additional six (6) months of continuation coverage after 18, 29, or 36 months of COBRA coverage. However, you will However, you will be eligible for a special enrollment period for coverage on the Marketplace. COBRA applies only to employers who had 20 or more workers in the previous year. Arizona passed a new Mini-COBRA law in January 2019, covering employers with one to 20 employees. Federal & State Mini-COBRA Chart The federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) generally requires employers with 20 or more employees with group health plans to offer employees, their spouses, and their dependents a temporary periodqualifiedof continued health care coverage if they lose coverage through the employer’s plan. Q4: Are there alternatives for health coverage other than COBRA?
Ask your human resource department for more information. Under Texas state continuation, you and your family may remain covered under your former employer’s health plan for up to nine months if you are not eligible for COBRA. Note: Federal employees do have some similar rights under another law. If you administer COBRA for your group, provide COBRA continuants approaching the end of their 18, 29, or 36 month coverage with a Texas Six (6) Month State Continuation of Insurance Application Form . Eligibility for State Continuation of Coverage . Although federal COBRA only covers employers with 20 or more employees, Georgia has a “mini-COBRA” state continuation coverage law in place that applies to employers with between two and 19 employees. You will be offered the plans and coverage level that you have in place upon separation of employment.
A mini-COBRA is the continuation of coverage clause that most states have built into their laws. What coverage is available? COBRA Frequently Asked Questions.