Tennessee Mini-COBRA: Group Health Insurance Continuation

Employees in Tennessee who lose their group health insurance due to job loss or another qualifying event may be able to continue that coverage through the state’s Mini-COBRA law. This continuation benefit is available regardless of employer size and helps individuals and their families maintain access to hospital, surgical, or major medical coverage for a limited time.

While federal COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, Tennessee’s continuation coverage law—found in Tennessee Code § 56-7-2312—offers a separate pathway for short-term health insurance continuation, generally up to three full policy months following the month of termination.

Tennessee's Mini-COBRA Law

Tennessee’s continuation of coverage law requires group health insurance policies that provide hospital, surgical, or major medical coverage to offer eligible individuals the option to continue coverage temporarily. This applies when coverage ends for reasons other than the termination of the group policy in its entirety or for a specific insured class.

• Employer Size: Applies to group health policies regardless of the number of employees covered.
• Eligibility: Individuals whose coverage was terminated for reasons other than the discontinuation of the group plan or failure to pay premiums, and who are not eligible for Medicare.
• Qualifying Events: Voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in hours, or other loss of eligibility under the group policy.
• Coverage Duration: Coverage may be extended through the remainder of the month in which coverage ended, plus three additional policy months.
• Premium Payment: Individuals must pay the full group premium amount—including any portion previously covered by the employer—on or before the start of each month of continued coverage.
• Election Period: The group policy must outline procedures for providing notice of continuation rights at the time coverage ends.
• How to Apply: Eligible individuals should follow the steps outlined in the notice from the insurer or employer to elect continuation coverage and pay monthly premiums on time.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Tennessee

Continuing an employer plan in Tennessee with Mini-COBRA is around $775/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.