1. Knowledge Base
  2. › 
  3. State Rules
  4. Illinois

How does COBRA insurance work in Illinois?

Illinois residents, workers and their families can get a continuation of workplace insurance coverage regardless of the size of their employer by opting for federal COBRA or the state’s mini-COBRA law.

Federal COBRA applies to employees of companies with 20 or more employees and requires employers to offer continued health insurance coverage to qualifying employees and their dependents after job loss for a limited period of time.

QUICK CHECK
COBRA Eligibility

Illinois Allows

COBRA Alternative:
Save Up To 70%

Try Short-Term Medical
Starting At
$80/month*
Covers An Insurance Gap
Until Your Next Work Health Plan Starts

Get A Quote, Enroll Online
Shop Plans

Call us
877-262-7241

*Based on age and state availability

Continuing Health Insurance Coverage In Illinois

Please choose:

No Pre-Existing Conditions
Term Medical Gap Coverage

Available in some states, as low as $44/month

Coverage For
Pre-Existing Conditions

$400 – 700/month per individual

Medicare
Nearing Retirement Age

Learn about Medicare Advantage

Illinois’ mini-COBRA Law

In Illinois, employers are required to notify you of your right to continuation (mini-COBRA) health insurance coverage within 10 days of your employment termination or reduction in hours. This notice must be given in person or by mail. You have 30 days to submit a written request for continuation from the later of two dates: 1) the date of employment termination or reduction in hours, or 2) the date you receive the written notice. Additionally, you cannot elect Illinois continuation (mini-COBRA) more than 60 days after your employment termination or a reduction in hours below the minimum required by the group plan.

This state-specific law is particularly beneficial for employees of smaller businesses that are exempt from federal COBRA regulations. The Illinois mini-COBRA law mandates that employers with fewer than 20 employees offer temporary continuation of health benefits at group rates.

Source: https://employmentlaw.help/illinois/cobra/

Was this answer helpful?

Share this article:

In Good Health? The Short-Term Option

Short-term health insurance may be used as an alternative to COBRA. The plan premiums are affordable and the co-pays are predictable as coverage is limited to new illnesses and injuries.

These plans renew every month and you may cancel at any time.

Find out if you qualify for Short Term health insurance by registering to quote in the marketplace.

Health Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions In Illinois

Maintaining your employer health insurance in Illinois is a wise decision if you rely on medical care from a doctor or routinely take prescription medicine.

When you elect COBRA, your insurance plan will stay the same and your deductibles will not reset. Coverage will restart from the date it was terminated, ensuring a smooth transition of your health plan.

Marketplace / Obamacare

A loss of work health insurance is a qualifying event to find new healthcare through the public healthcare exchange.

The average marketplace silver plan for ACA health insurance in Illinois was $449/month, according to the Kaiser Foundation.

You May Qualify For A Subsidy

Apply For COBRA

Employer Has 20+ Employees

As an employee, you may continue your most recent work health insurance for up to 18 months. Family members may access the plan for up to 36 months.

You sign up for COBRA with your former employer or their third party. The premium will be $400 – 700 / month, per insured person.

Illinois Mini-COBRA

Employer Has Less Than 20 Employees

In Illinois, all employers are compelled to offer a continuation of worker’s health insurance. The human resources department or their third-party administrator will notify you on how to apply.

Illinois Allows Short-Term Health Insurance For Those In Good Health

The state of Illinois allows individuals who have recently lost their job or transitioned from one employer to another to obtain short-term medical insurance coverage.

This type of coverage is designed to bridge any gaps in health care that may exist due to changes in employment status and can provide peace of mind during this transition period.

Short Term Medical Insurance

New Illnesses & Injury Coverage

Flex term short term medical insurance

Plans begin at $80/month.
Based on age and state availability

The FlexTerm Health Insurance plan provides health insurance coverage to help protect you from the medical bills that can result from newly unexpected Injuries and Sickness.

Coverage begins as early as midnight tonight.

Accident Only Insurance with Telehealth

Coverage begins as early as midnight tonight.

Pre-existing Conditions Do Not Exclude You From Accident Only Coverage

Plans start at $44/month.
Based on age and state availability

Accidents happen, and the last thing you want to worry about is who or how the bills are going to get paid. With this plan, you can focus on getting care. CAM helps you and your family with the high cost of healthcare resulting from injury or accidents.

Includes Telehealth – Access to prescribing  doctors for common issues

Limited Indemnity with Telehealth

Includes Telehealth giving you access to prescribing doctors for common issues.

Core Health Insurance provides guaranteed acceptance Limited Indemnity Medical coverage for your basic medical needs, helping to provide a medical option for people who do not have the luxury of being covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan.

Coverage begins as early as midnight tonight.

Medicare

After your workplace insurance ends, you’ll sign up for Medicare within 8 months.

In general, you can sign up for Part A and Part B starting three months before your 65th birthday and ending three months after your 65th birthday.

Learn more about Medicare deadlines and how Medicare Advantage plans can replace original Medicare at no cost to you.

COBRA Is Available In All 50 States

Employee continuation of health insurance coverage is not required in all states. When a state lacks laws governing the continuation of work-related medical benefits, the federal COBRA Act protects these rights. Find out more about your state.

Are You Eligible For COBRA?

"check
Take Our Survey