Understanding COBRA in Rhode Island
Individuals in Rhode Island who have lost their job or had their hours reduced can choose between two different types of continuing health coverage options: COBRA and Mini-COBRA.
Federal COBRA is required by employers who have 20 or more employees, while the state’s Mini-COBRA is for those who work for companies with fewer than 20 employees, and provides coverage continuation for a period of up to 18 months.
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COBRA Eligibility
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Continue Health Insurance Coverage In Rhode Island
No Pre-Existing Conditions
Term Medical Gap Coverage
Accident only plans, as low as $44/month
Coverage For
Pre-Existing Conditions
$400 – 700/month per individual
Medicare
Nearing Retirement Age
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Rhode Island’s Mini-COBRA Law
Rhode Island’s mini-COBRA law, known as the Rhode Island Extended Benefits, provides medical benefits for employees who lose their eligibility to participate due to involuntary layoffs, death, or due to the workplace ceasing to exist. According to R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-19.1-1, group hospital, surgical, dental, vision, or medical insurance plan benefits can be continued for up to 18 months from the termination date of the insured member, or until the member becomes employed by another group and is eligible for benefits under another group plan. The coverage is available to the terminated member, the surviving spouse of a deceased member, and any other dependent(s) of the member who were covered under the plan at the same monthly premium rate or subscription fee for the group, or at a monthly premium rate or subscription fee in effect for the same group subsequent to his or her qualification under subsection (a) of this section.
Under the Rhode Island Extended Benefits, the involuntarily laid off member or any other member qualifying under subsection (a) of this section, the surviving spouse of a deceased member, and any other dependent(s) of the member who were covered under the plan can elect to continue participation in the group plan within 30 days after the member’s qualification under subsection (a) of this section. The member, the surviving spouse of a deceased member, and any other dependent(s) of the member who were covered under the plan shall be responsible for the payment of monthly premiums rates or subscription fees directly to the carrier of the surgical, hospital, or medical insurance plan, or the group plan’s agent or insurance producer, throughout the extended coverage period, if the member had been covered under a group plan consisting of 50 members or fewer. If the group plan consists of more than 50 members and the workplace ceases to exist, they shall be responsible for the payment of monthly premiums rates or subscription fees directly to the carrier.
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Pre-Existing Health Insurance Coverage In Rhode Island
COBRA is a good choice for individuals with pre-existing conditions in Rhode Island during a job transition because it provides continuous health insurance coverage.
This continuity of care can be especially important for individuals with pre-existing conditions, who may face difficulties finding new insurance coverage that covers their specific health needs.
Marketplace / Obamacare
A loss of work health insurance is a qualifying event to find new healthcare through the public healthcare exchange.
The average Affordable Care Act plan premium in Rhode Island is $364/month per person in 2023, according to Kaiser Family Foundation.
You May Qualify For A Subsidy
View Affordable Care Act Plans
Apply For COBRA
Employer Has 20+ Employees
You may continue your most recent work health insurance for up to 18 months as an employee. Family members may access the plan for up to 36 months.
You sign up for COBRA with your former employer or their third party. The premium will be $400 – 700 / month, per insured person.
Rhode Island Allows Accident-Only Insurance To Bridge A Gap
In the state of Rhode Island, individuals are allowed to enroll in an accident-only major medical insurance plan while between employers and major medical plans.
Accident Only Insurance with Telehealth
Pre-existing Conditions Do Not Exclude You From Accident Only Coverage
Plans start at $44/month.
Based on age and state availability
Accidents happen, and the last thing you want to worry about is who or how the bills are going to get paid. With this plan, you can focus on getting care. CAM helps you and your family with the high cost of healthcare resulting from injury or accidents.
Includes Telehealth – Access to prescribing doctors for common issues
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.
Remain Insured
Accident Only plans start at $44/mo
Short-Term Medical low as $80/mo
Call us
877-262-7241
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