Eligibility For COBRA
The employer is responsible for notifying the terminated employee of their COBRA rights within 45 days that the employer-sponsored insurance would end. Missourians have 60 days to elect COBRA insurance or waive their right.
Certain qualifying events, such as disability, may allow a terminated employee to extend their COBRA benefits past the 18 month time limit. There are also special provisions for dependents/spouses of terminated employees based on the reason(s) for loss of coverage (i.e. death, divorce, etc.).
Missouri Has Mini-COBRA State Continuation Of Health Insurance
The Missouri State Continuation law works similarly as the federal COBRA legislation except that it applies to employers with 19 or fewer employees. The timelines for federal COBRA and all other features of the Act apply for the State’s continuation law.
source: Missouri Statute
Affordable 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.
