Mini-COBRA Law in the State of Maine

Like all states, Maine follows the federal COBRA law, which allows eligible employees of companies with 20 or more workers to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance after a qualifying event.

In addition, Maine law includes a state-level continuation provision for employees of small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. This rule, often referred to as mini-COBRA, provides up to 12 months of continued coverage for eligible individuals under fully insured group plans.

Maine Mini-COBRA Law

Maine provides state continuation coverage for employees of small businesses not subject to federal COBRA. This law allows eligible individuals to continue their group health insurance coverage for up to 12 months after a qualifying event, such as a temporary layoff or job loss caused by a work-related injury or illness. Coverage is only available if the employer’s plan is fully insured.

• Applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees.
• Insurers may require up to six months of prior employment before the qualifying event.
• The employee must elect continuation coverage within 31 days of the layoff.
• Coverage can continue for up to 12 months from the last day worked.
• The individual must pay the full premium, including any administrative fees.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Maine

Continuing an employer plan in Maine with Mini-COBRA is around $771/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.