Oregon Mini-COBRA and Health Insurance Continuation Rights

If you’ve recently lost job-based health coverage in Oregon, you may have the option to continue that coverage under either federal COBRA or the state’s continuation law. These protections help individuals and families maintain access to their existing health insurance during a change in employment status.

Federal COBRA typically applies to larger employers with 20 or more employees. For smaller employers, Oregon’s Mini-COBRA law—formally known as the Oregon Continuation of Health Coverage—provides similar continuation rights for businesses with 20 or fewer employees.

Oregon's Mini-COBRA Law

Oregon’s Mini-COBRA law is outlined in Chapter 743B of the Oregon Revised Statutes. It allows eligible employees and their dependents to temporarily continue their group health insurance coverage after experiencing a qualifying event, such as job loss or a reduction in work hours. The law is designed to extend coverage for individuals who may not be eligible under federal COBRA due to employer size.

• Employer Size: Applies to employers with 20 or fewer employees offering fully insured group health plans.
• Eligibility: Employees and covered dependents who were enrolled in the plan at the time of the qualifying event.
• Qualifying Events: Involuntary termination of employment, reduction in work hours, or other circumstances leading to loss of eligibility.
• Coverage Duration: Continuation coverage is available for a limited time, typically up to 9 months, though specific terms may vary by plan.
• Premium Payment: Individuals are responsible for paying the full premium cost, including any portion previously paid by the employer.
• Election Period: The right to elect continuation coverage must be exercised within the timeframe specified by the plan, generally within 60 days of the event.
• How to Apply: Written notification and premium payment must be submitted to the insurer or employer within the designated election window.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Oregon

Continuing an employer plan in Oregon with Mini-COBRA is around $643/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.