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How COBRA Insurance Works In New York State

In New York, the Mini-COBRA program allows qualified individuals to keep their employer-based health insurance after specific life events like job loss or a cut in work hours.

Initially, the program aligns with federal COBRA regulations, offering 18 months of extended coverage. New York State law then steps in to offer an extra 18 months, allowing for a total of 36 months of continued coverage.

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COBRA Eligibility

New York Allows

COBRA Alternative:
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Accident Only Coverage
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*Based on age and state availability

Continuing Health Insurance Coverage In New York

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

New York Mini-COBRA Law

New York’s Mini-COBRA program offers a way for eligible individuals and their families to maintain their employer-sponsored health insurance after experiencing a life-changing event. This could be anything from losing your job to going through a divorce.

Extend Your Coverage for Up to 36 Months

If you qualify for federal COBRA, which gives you 18 months of extended coverage, New York’s state law allows you to add another 18 months through its Mini-COBRA program.
This means you could have up to 36 months of continued health insurance coverage by combining both federal and state programs.

Source: Summary of New York State Continuation Coverage

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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 New York

Continuing your workplace insurance through either federal COBRA or New York Mini-COBRA can be a wise choice if you frequently see a doctor or take prescription medications. This allows you to remain on the same health plan, avoiding the need to switch to a new one. Additionally, your deductibles will not be reset as the plan resumes from the date it ended.

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.

New York Mini-COBRA

Coverage for Employers with Less Than 20 Employees

In New York, all employers are required to provide continuation of health insurance for their employees. Information on how to apply for this coverage can be obtained from the employer’s human resources department or third-party administrator. Eligible individuals and their families are entitled to up to 36 months of coverage under this program. It should be noted that the entire premium cost must be paid by the individual or family member.

Marketplace / Obamacare

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

The average plan premium in New York is $776 according to qz.com for the year 2023.

View Affordable Care Act Plans

New York Allows Accident Only Medical Insurance As A COBRA Alternative 

In New York, state law allows individuals to obtain accident-only medical insurance between jobs as an alternative to COBRA or enrolling in a new Obamacare plan, providing coverage until the individual’s new workplace insurance takes effect.

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

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.

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