New Jersey Mini-COBRA Health Insurance Continuation

In New Jersey, state continuation coverage—often referred to as mini-COBRA—provides eligible individuals the option to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance after a qualifying event. If your employer has between 2 and 50 eligible employees, you may qualify for coverage under the New Jersey Continuation Coverage Rules (NJCCR).

Federal COBRA remains available for individuals whose employer has 20 or more employees. It provides similar continuation rights following both voluntary and involuntary termination of employment.

New Jersey Continuation Coverage Rules (NJCCR)

The New Jersey Continuation Coverage Rules (NJCCR), commonly referred to as New Jersey's Mini-COBRA law, require employers with 2 to 50 employees to offer continuation of group health insurance coverage to eligible employees and their dependents who lose coverage due to qualifying events such as termination of employment or reduction in hours.

• Employer Size: Applies to employers with 2 to 50 employees.
• Eligibility: Employees and their dependents who were covered under the group health plan at the time of the qualifying event.
• Qualifying Events: Termination of employment (other than for gross misconduct), reduction in hours to less than 25 per week, death of the covered employee, divorce or legal separation, or a dependent child ceasing to be eligible under the plan.
• Coverage Duration: Continuation coverage is available for up to 18 months for employees and up to 36 months for dependents in certain circumstances. If the employee is determined to be disabled by the Social Security Administration, coverage may extend up to 29 months.
• Premium Payment: Individuals electing continuation coverage are responsible for paying the full premium amount, plus a 2% administrative fee. For disabled individuals, the premium may increase to 150% after 18 months.
• Election Period: Eligible individuals must elect continuation coverage within 30 days of the qualifying event.
• How to Apply: Employers are required to notify eligible individuals of their continuation rights. To apply, individuals must submit a written election to their employer within the 30-day election period and pay the required premiums as instructed.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in New Jersey

Continuing an employer plan in New Jersey with Mini-COBRA is around $669/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.