Mini-COBRA Law in Illinois

Illinois residents, workers, and their families may continue their employer-sponsored health insurance coverage after job loss, regardless of the employer’s size. This is made possible through either federal COBRA for larger employers or Illinois’ state Mini-COBRA continuation law for smaller employers. Continuation coverage provides the same benefits that were available under the group plan, excluding life insurance.

Federal COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees and requires that qualifying employees and their dependents be offered the option to continue health insurance coverage for a limited time following certain qualifying events, such as termination or reduction in hours.

Illinois' Health Insurance Continuation Rights Law

In Illinois, the Health Insurance Continuation Rights Law requires employers with fewer than 20 employees to offer temporary continuation of group health insurance coverage to eligible employees and their covered dependents following a termination of employment or a reduction in work hours. The employer must provide written notice of this continuation right within 10 days of the qualifying event, delivered in person or by mail.

An eligible individual has 30 days to elect continuation coverage from the later of two dates: the date of the qualifying event or the date the written notice is received. However, no election may be made more than 60 days after the date of employment termination or reduction in hours. Coverage, if elected, must be offered at the group rate as defined by the group policy in force at the time of the qualifying event.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Illinois

Continuing an employer plan in Illinois with Mini-COBRA is around $888/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.