New York COBRA and Mini-COBRA Health Insurance Continuation

In New York, eligible individuals may continue their employer-sponsored group health insurance following qualifying events such as termination of employment, reduction in work hours, or other circumstances resulting in the loss of coverage. This continuation is provided through a combination of federal COBRA and the state’s Mini-COBRA program.

Under federal COBRA, individuals may be eligible for up to 18 months of continued coverage if their employer has 20 or more employees. New York’s Mini-COBRA law extends this period by an additional 18 months, allowing qualified individuals to maintain coverage for up to 36 months in total under fully insured group health plans.

New York State Continuation Coverage (Mini-COBRA)

New York State's continuation coverage law, commonly referred to as Mini-COBRA, permits eligible individuals to extend employer-sponsored group health insurance coverage for up to 36 months following a qualifying event. The law applies to both individuals who are eligible for federal COBRA and those who are not, thereby broadening access to continued coverage under fully insured group health plans.

• Employer Size: Applies to employers of all sizes with fully insured group health plans.
• 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, 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 36 months from the date of the qualifying event.
• Premium Payment: Individuals electing continuation coverage are responsible for paying the full premium amount, plus a 2% administrative fee.
• Election Period: Eligible individuals must elect continuation coverage within 60 days of the qualifying event or notification, whichever is later.
• 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 or insurer within the 60-day election period and pay the required premiums as instructed.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in New York

Continuing an employer plan in New York with Mini-COBRA is around $1,090/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.