Continuing Employer Health Coverage in Idaho with COBRA

In Idaho, the COBRA Act gives any worker the right to continue group health insurance coverage if they leave the company due to a career change, layoffs, or other qualifying events. COBRA allows workers to stay on their employer’s health plan for a limited time.
Idaho follows the federal COBRA law, which applies to employers with 20 or more employees and requires that former employees be given the option to keep their coverage at their own expense.
Health Coverage Between Jobs in Idaho
Idaho does not have a state mini-COBRA law. This means that if someone loses their job at a small employer with fewer than 20 employees, the employer is not required by state law to offer continuation of health insurance coverage.
Employees who worked for larger employers with 20 or more employees may qualify for federal COBRA, which allows them to stay on their group health plan by paying the full premium themselves.
When COBRA is not available or unaffordable, other options for health coverage in between employer plans may include buying a plan through the federal health care marketplace, enrolling in a spouse’s or parent’s plan, or considering a short-term health plan. These alternatives can help individuals remain insured until new coverage begins.
COBRA Costs an Average of $537 per Month in Idaho
In Idaho, 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 COBRA in Idaho
The federal COBRA law allows you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance if your employer has 20 or more 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 Idaho
Affordable Alternatives to COBRA in Idaho
In Idaho, the average health insurance premium is $537/mo per individual. If COBRA is unavailable or is outside of your budget, here are affordable other options for health coverage.
The cost of health insurance is determined by your age and state of residency.
Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage in Idaho
Residents of Idaho must apply for ACA health coverage through the state exchange.
All plans available through the exchange meet federal ACA standards. They include coverage for pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits such as doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, surgery, maternity care, mental health treatment and prescription drugs. Visit: www.yourhealthidaho.org
Budget-Friendly Health Coverage Solutions
In Idaho you can bridge a gap using one of the following plans:
Health Continuation Laws by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming

