How does COBRA insurance work in Arkansas?

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In Arkansas, the COBRA insurance law requires employers with 20 or more employees to offer continuing group health insurance coverage to employees who lose their jobs. Eligible employees can continue their coverage for up to 18 months by paying the full premium, including the portion previously paid by the employer.

Employees of businesses with 19 or fewer employees are entitled to 120 of continuing coverage.

What is Arkansas Mini-COBRA

Arkansas's Mini-COBRA law, codified at Arkansas Code Annotated § 23-86-114, provides a continuation of group health insurance coverage for employees of small businesses (those with fewer than 20 employees) who experience certain qualifying events, such as termination of employment or a reduction in work hours.

COBRA Costs an Average of $823 per Month in Arkansas

In Arkansas, if you choose to continue your work health insurance you will be responsible for the full premium, including the portion previously paid by your employer.

Applying for Mini-COBRA in Arkansas

The Arkansas Continuation Law may allow you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance if your employer has 20 or more fewer full-time workers participating in the company health plan.

To continue your work health plan, you will need to apply through your employer or a third-party administrator responsible for managing COBRA benefits.

Helpful Resources in Arkansas

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Arkansas

Continuing an employer plan in Arkansas with Mini-COBRA is around $823/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.

Basic Health Solution
Virtual Doctor Visits, Prescription Savings
Access Teladoc telehealth, prescription savings, and identity theft protection.
Great for Pre-Existing Conditions
Affordable Care Act
Similar to work health insurance. Marketplace plans may include subsidies to significantly reduce your cost.
New Illness or Injury Coverage
Short-Term Medical
Covers unexpected illnesses or injuries.
Compare plans starting at $80/mo
Accident-Only Insurance
Up to $1 Million Coverage
Covers accidental injuries and includes Teladoc. Starting at $40/mo.
Limited Indemnity
Fixed-Benefit Plan
Pays fixed benefits for covered medical events. Includes Teladoc.
Telehealth Only
$19.95 per month
Physicians available for common issues and prescription refills.
Vision Insurance
Nationwide Network
Annual exams, frame or contact allowances, nationwide provider network.
Dental Insurance
PPO Access
Access 471,000 PPO points. Covers 300-plus dental procedures nationwide.

Affordable Care Act for Pre-Existing Conditions Arkansas

Like employer-sponsored group health plans, all Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are required to cover pre-existing conditions without exception. These plans also include a comprehensive set of essential health benefits, which means they must cover doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, surgeries, maternity and newborn care, mental health treatment, and prescription medications. This ensures that individuals and families receive broad, reliable coverage regardless of their health history.

Get an ACA Health Plan Quote

Budget-Friendly Health Coverage Solutions to Arkansas Mini-COBRA

In Arkansas you can bridge a gap using one of the following plans:

Health Continuation Laws by State