Federal COBRA applies to companies with 20 or more workers. The Maine insurance code has a limited continuation coverage requirement for workers who work for a company with fewer than 20 employees. This requirement is sometimes referred to as mini-COBRA. It provides one year of continuation coverage to qualified employees. So if your employer offered Health insurance coverage through a fully insured policy and you were laid off, you may qualify.
Important To Know About Maine’s Mini-COBRA Law
If the federal COBRA law doesn’t apply to the employee, the State’s Mini-COBRA law kicks in. Eligibility applies for those who:- The employee must have had worked for 6 months
- The employee was laid off permanently or temporary
Differently Than Federal COBRA
Unlike federal COBRA that allows continuation insurance to last for a period of 18 months, the Maine Mini-COBRA allows workers up to 36 months to remain on the employer-sponsored insurance. source: https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/billpdfs/HP005301.pdfAffordable Temporary Health Insurance
If you are fairly healthy and still want to remain insured, alternatives to COBRA insurance may be available based on where you live. Short-term health insurance is a popular option and available in most States. This can protect you from high medical costs of new injuries or new illnesses that unexpectedly occur while allowing you to use any licensed doctor. Coverage is available up to $1 million per person. For more information and pricing, you can call us at 1-877-262-7241 or complete a free quote online.
