How Individual States Handle COBRA Insurance

Many states have enacted “Mini-COBRA” laws that give similar COBRA benefits that the federal law protects. Below is a list of states that have these health insurance continuation laws.

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State Health Care Continuation Laws or Mini-COBRA

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 is written to allow worker continuing insurance coverage if their employer has 20 or more employees. When it favors qualified beneficiaries, state laws supersede the federal measure.

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Health Insurance Continuation Laws By State

Not all states have laws regarding employee continuation of health insurance benefits. When a state does not have legislation regarding continuation of work medical benefits, the federal COBRA Act insures these rights. 

The states that go further than the federal continuation of health insurance measure are often referred to as having Mini-COBRA laws. Depending on which state you live in, you may be eligible to hold your COBRA insurance longer than 18 months. Some states require insurance continuation when an employer has fewer than twenty employees.

Types Of Businesses Exempt From COBRA

Exempt businesses are some government employers, churches and other non-profits.

List Of States With Mini-COBRA Laws

In general, states with health insurance continuation laws provide similar rights as the federal COBRA act, except that businesses with 19 or fewer employees may be eligible.

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

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The COBRA Insurance website helps workers with their insurance options while in-between employers. If you have questions about choosing COBRA, please call our HealthCare.gov Certified Insurance Specialists.

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