Understanding COBRA Insurance in Kentucky

To ensure access to continued group health insurance coverage for individuals not protected by the federal COBRA law, Kentucky established its own continuation coverage rules. These apply specifically to employees with fully-insured health plans through small employers not subject to federal COBRA requirements.

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees and offers a group health plan, you may qualify for this state continuation coverage. Your employer or benefits administrator can confirm whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded.

Kentucky Health Insurance Continuation Coverage

The Kentucky Mini-COBRA law allows eligible individuals to continue their group health insurance coverage for a limited period following a qualifying event, such as termination of employment or a reduction in work hours. Individuals who elect this coverage must pay the full premium cost, plus a 2% administrative fee. The total cost may vary based on the type of coverage and the number of individuals included on the plan.

Coverage under Kentucky’s Mini-COBRA law may continue for up to nine months. During this time, individuals receive the same benefits and access to services as they had under their previous employer-sponsored health plan. Since this continuation coverage is temporary and cannot be renewed after the nine-month period, individuals seeking long-term health insurance should consider enrolling in a new employer's plan or obtaining individual coverage through the health insurance marketplace.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Kentucky

Continuing an employer plan in Kentucky with Mini-COBRA is around $662/mo, per individual. If COBRA is unavailable or is outside of your budget, you do have affordable other options for health coverage. See below.

The cost of health insurance is determined by your age and state of residency.