Pennsylvania Mini-COBRA and Health Insurance Continuation

If you’ve recently lost health insurance through your employer in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible to continue that coverage under either the federal COBRA law or the state’s Mini-COBRA program. These continuation rights help individuals and their families maintain access to health insurance after job-related changes.

Federal COBRA applies to businesses with 20 or more employees and may provide coverage for up to 36 months in certain situations. Pennsylvania’s Mini-COBRA law—established under Act 2 of 2009—extends similar continuation protections to employees of smaller businesses with 2 to 19 employees. However, state coverage is limited to nine months and does not allow for additional extensions.

Pennsylvania's Mini-COBRA Law

Mini-COBRA in Pennsylvania requires certain small employers to offer continued access to group health insurance following events like termination of employment or a reduction in hours. The law applies to fully insured group plans issued in Pennsylvania and is based on the structure of federal COBRA, but with notable differences in eligibility and duration.

• Employer Size: Applies to employers with 2 to 19 employees who offer fully insured group health plans.
• Eligibility: Employees and dependents who were enrolled in the group plan at the time of the qualifying event.
• Qualifying Events: Termination of employment, reduction in work hours, or other events that result in the loss of coverage.
• Coverage Duration: Up to 9 months of continuation coverage; no extensions are available under state law.
• Premium Payment: Individuals must pay the entire premium amount, including any portion previously covered by the employer, and may be subject to a small administrative fee.
• Election Period: Eligible individuals generally have 30 days from the date of notification to elect continuation coverage.
• How to Apply: Written election and premium payment must be submitted to the employer or insurer within the required timeframe to maintain coverage.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Pennsylvania

Continuing an employer plan in Pennsylvania with Mini-COBRA is around $750/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.