Understanding COBRA Insurance in Kansas

The federal COBRA law applies to employers with 20 or more employees. In Kansas, workers at small businesses with 19 or fewer employees may still qualify for continuation of group health insurance through the state’s health insurance continuation coverage law.

To be eligible for Kansas Mini-COBRA, individuals must have been continuously insured under the group health plan for at least three months immediately before the qualifying event. Kansas continuation coverage can last for up to 18 months, allowing eligible individuals to maintain access to their health benefits during periods of job loss or reduced hours.

Kansas Continuation Coverage (Mini-COBRA)

Kansas law provides continuation of group health insurance for employees who lose coverage due to a qualifying event but are not eligible for federal COBRA. This applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees. Coverage can continue for up to 18 months.

• You must have been insured under the group plan for at least three consecutive months before job loss or reduction in hours.
• You must not qualify for federal COBRA coverage.
• You are responsible for paying up to 102% of the full premium directly to the insurance carrier.
• The insurance company, not the employer, must notify you of your continuation rights within 30 days of the qualifying event.

Ending Coverage and Conversion

At the end of the continuation period, you may be eligible to convert to an individual plan without medical underwriting, depending on your policy's conversion terms.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Kansas

Continuing an employer plan in Kansas with Mini-COBRA is around $787/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.