Understanding COBRA Insurance in Missouri

Missouri’s Mini-COBRA law allows employees of small businesses to continue their group health insurance after a qualifying event, such as job loss or reduced hours. Unlike federal COBRA, which applies to employers with 20 or more employees, Missouri’s law covers those with 2 to 19 employees.

Missouri Mini-COBRA Law

Missouri's Mini-COBRA law provides continuation of group health coverage to eligible employees and their dependents who have lost coverage due to a qualifying event. This law applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees and mandates that they offer continuation coverage similar to federal COBRA provisions.

• Employer Size: Applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees.
• Eligibility: Employees must have been covered under the group health plan at the time of the qualifying event.
• Qualifying Events: Includes termination of employment (other than for gross misconduct), reduction in hours, divorce or legal separation, death of the covered employee, or a dependent child ceasing to be a dependent under the plan.
• Coverage Duration: Continuation coverage is available for up to 9 months.
• Premium Payment: Individuals electing continuation coverage are responsible for paying the full premium amount.
• Election Period: Eligible individuals must elect continuation coverage within 31 days of the qualifying event.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Missouri

Continuing an employer plan in Missouri with Mini-COBRA is around $742/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.