Oklahoma COBRA and Mini-COBRA Health Insurance Continuation

If you lose your employer-sponsored health insurance in Oklahoma due to job loss, reduced hours, or another qualifying event, you may be able to keep your coverage through continuation options. Depending on your employer’s size, this may fall under federal COBRA or the state’s Mini-COBRA law.

Federal COBRA typically applies to employers with 20 or more employees and provides up to 18 months of continued group coverage. For smaller employers with 19 or fewer employees, Oklahoma’s Mini-COBRA law offers a similar option, allowing eligible individuals to extend their existing health insurance for a limited time.

Oklahoma's Mini-COBRA Law

Oklahoma’s Mini-COBRA law, enacted on June 5, 1991, offers continuation of group health insurance for individuals who lose coverage due to qualifying events such as termination or reduction in hours. This law applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees, who are not subject to federal COBRA requirements. It ensures that employees of small businesses still have access to extended coverage during periods of transition.

• Employer Size: Applies to employers with 19 or fewer employees offering fully insured group health plans.
• Eligibility: Employees and their covered dependents who lose health insurance due to a qualifying event.
• Qualifying Events: Termination of employment, layoff, reduction in hours, or other loss of eligibility under the plan.
• Coverage Duration: Continuation is available for up to 12 months following the qualifying event.
• Premium Payment: The individual must pay the entire premium, including the portion previously paid by the employer.
• Election Period: Eligible individuals typically have 60 days from the event or notification to elect coverage.
• How to Apply: Written notice and premium payment must be submitted to the employer or insurer as instructed in the plan materials.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Oklahoma

Continuing an employer plan in Oklahoma with Mini-COBRA is around $739/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.