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How Does COBRA Insurance Work In North Carolina?

North Carolina Mini-COBRA is a state-level continuation coverage program that provides eligible individuals and their families with the opportunity to continue their employer-sponsored health insurance after a qualifying event, such as job loss or reduction in hours. 

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COBRA Eligibility

North Carolina Allows

COBRA Alternative:
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Accident Only Coverage
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*Based on age and state availability

Continuing Health Insurance Coverage In North Carolina

Please choose:

No Pre-Existing Conditions
Term Medical Gap Coverage

Available in some states, as low as $44/month

Coverage For
Pre-Existing Conditions

$400 – 700/month per individual

Medicare
Nearing Retirement Age

Learn about Medicare Advantage

North Carolina’s Mini-COBRA Law

North Carolina Mini-COBRA is a state law that requires employers to offer continuation of health insurance coverage to all eligible individuals and their families after a qualifying event, such as job loss or reduction in hours.

Employers have an obligation to notify eligible individuals about the availability of COBRA and how to apply for coverage. Unlike federal COBRA, North Carolina Mini-COBRA provides a maximum of 18 months of coverage and does not offer any extensions beyond this period.

Eligible individuals and their families must pay the full premium cost, including any portion that was previously paid by the employer.  

Source: NC Department Of Insurance Guide To Health Insurance Continuation Rights

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North Carolina Health Insurance for Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions

COBRA is great if you have a health problem or go to the doctor often. Without COBRA, it might be tough to find a new insurance plan that covers your pre-existing health conditions.

Apply For COBRA

Employer Has 20+ Employees

As an employee, you may continue your most recent work health insurance for up to 18 months. Family members may access the plan for up to 36 months.

The coverage is retroactive to the date you lost that insurance. After you make your premiums you will be able to reimburse approved medical expenses incurred before it was reactivated.

You sign up for COBRA with your former employer or their third party. The premium will be $400 – 700 / month, per insured person.

North Carolina Mini-COBRA

To be eligible, individuals must have previously had health insurance coverage under their employer’s group health plan and must not have already reached the maximum 18-month coverage period under Mini-COBRA. Additionally, individuals must apply for Mini-COBRA within a specified timeframe after the qualifying event occurs and must pay the full premium cost for the coverage.

Marketplace / Obamacare

A loss of work health insurance is a qualifying event to find new healthcare through the public healthcare exchange.

The average lowest-cost silver plan monthly premium is $501 in North Carolina for 2023 according to the Kaiser Foundation.

View Affordable Care Act Plans

Short-Term Health Insurance In North Carolina

For North Carolina residents facing a gap in health insurance coverage, short-term health insurance is available as an alternative to COBRA. This coverage option provides peace of mind by keeping individuals and their families protected from new accidents and illnesses until their next employer-based health insurance takes effect.

With flexible plans and affordable rates, short-term health insurance ensures that you have the coverage you need to stay healthy and financially secure. Don’t let a gap in health insurance coverage put your health at risk.

Short Term Medical Insurance

New Illnesses & Injury Coverage

Flex term short term medical insurance

Plans begin at $80/month.
Based on age and state availability

The FlexTerm Health Insurance plan provides health insurance coverage to help protect you from the medical bills that can result from newly unexpected Injuries and Sickness.

Coverage begins as early as midnight tonight.

Medicare

After your workplace insurance ends, you’ll sign up for Medicare within 8 months.

In general, you can sign up for Part A and Part B starting three months before your 65th birthday and ending three months after your 65th birthday.

Learn more about Medicare deadlines and how Medicare Advantage plans can replace original Medicare at no cost to you.

COBRA Is Available In All 50 States

Employee continuation of health insurance coverage is not required in all states. When a state lacks laws governing the continuation of work-related medical benefits, the federal COBRA Act protects these rights. Find out more about your state.

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