North Dakota COBRA and Mini-COBRA Health Insurance Continuation

In North Dakota, if you lose your job or experience a reduction in hours, you may be able to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance through continuation coverage. The availability and duration of this coverage depend on your employer’s size and the type of health plan offered.

Federal COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees and typically offers up to 18 months of continuation coverage. For smaller employers, North Dakota’s Mini-COBRA law requires similar coverage for up to 12 months, helping extend access to group health plans after job-related changes.

North Dakota's Mini-COBRA Law

North Dakota’s health insurance continuation law, found in Section 26.1-36-23 of the North Dakota Century Code, applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees. It requires these employers to offer continuation of group health coverage for a limited time following events such as job loss, layoff, or reduction in work hours. This state-level protection is intended to mirror certain aspects of federal COBRA for employees who would not otherwise qualify under federal rules.

• Employer Size: Applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees offering fully insured group health plans.
• Eligibility: Employees and dependents covered under the plan at the time of the qualifying event.
• Qualifying Events: Termination of employment, layoff, or reduction in hours that results in loss of coverage.
• Coverage Duration: Continuation coverage is available for up to 12 months under state law.
• Premium Payment: The individual is responsible for paying the full premium amount, including any portion previously paid by the employer and administrative fees.
• Election Period: Employers must provide timely notice. Individuals typically have 60 days to elect continuation coverage.
• How to Apply: Eligible individuals must submit a written election to their employer or insurer and make timely premium payments to maintain coverage.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in North Dakota

Continuing an employer plan in North Dakota with Mini-COBRA is around $700/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.