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How COBRA Works In Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, both COBRA and Mini-COBRA options are available for individuals who have lost their job or experienced a reduction in hours. COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, while Mini-COBRA applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees and provides a continuation of coverage for up to 18 months.

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COBRA Eligibility

Pennsylvania Allows

COBRA Alternative:
Save Up To 70%

Accident Only Coverage
Starting At
$44/month*
Covers An Insurance Gap
Until Your Next Work Health Plan Starts

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*Based on age and state availability

Pennsylvania Health Insurance Coverage Continuation

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

Pennsylvania’s Mini-COBRA Law

In Pennsylvania, the continuation of health coverage for eligible employees and their dependents is provided by the Mini-COBRA law, or Act 2 of 2009. It provides a continuation of coverage for employees who have lost their job or experienced a reduction in hours.

Mini-COBRA provides continuation of health coverage for employees of smaller businesses (2-19 employees) after their employment ends or experiences a reduction in hours. It is based on the federal COBRA law but with some key differences. Unlike the federal COBRA law, which is available to employees of larger businesses (20 or more employees) for up to 36 months, Mini-COBRA is limited to nine months of coverage, with no extensions.  

Source: Pennsylvania Department Of Insurance

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Apply For COBRA Health Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions In Pennsylvania

COBRA is a good choice for individuals with pre-existing conditions in Pennsylvania during a job transition because it provides continuous health insurance coverage. By opting for COBRA, individuals can maintain their current health plan and keep their existing health providers, even as they leave their job or experience other changes in their employment. This continuity of care can be especially important for individuals with pre-existing conditions, who may face difficulties finding new insurance coverage that covers their specific health needs.

Apply For COBRA

Employer Has 20+ Employees

You may continue your most recent work health insurance for up to 18 months as an employee. 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.

Marketplace / Obamacare

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

The average Affordable Care Act plan premium in Pennsylvania is $420/month per person in 2023, according to Kaiser Family Foundation.

View Affordable Care Act Plans

Pennsylvania Allows Accident-Only Insurance To Bridge A Gap

In the state of Pennsylvania, it is possible for individuals to enroll in an accident-only major medical insurance plan during periods of transition to new employment.

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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