South Carolina Mini-COBRA and Health Insurance Continuation

South Carolina’s continuation of coverage law, commonly known as Mini-COBRA, allows certain employees and their dependents to remain on their former employer’s group health insurance after a qualifying event. This law applies to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and helps extend access to medical benefits during employment transitions.

Under Mini-COBRA, former employees may continue group health insurance coverage through the end of the current policy month, plus an additional six policy months. The individual must pay the full cost of the coverage during this period. Federal COBRA, which applies to employers with 20 or more employees, offers similar rights but for longer durations.

South Carolina's Mini-COBRA Law

South Carolina’s continuation coverage law is outlined in S.C. Code § 38-71-770 and applies to fully insured group policies that include hospital, surgical, or major medical expense coverage. Employees who have been enrolled in the plan for at least six months prior to the qualifying event may be eligible to continue coverage, unless they qualify for a longer federal COBRA period. The coverage lasts for the remainder of the policy month in which coverage ends, plus six additional policy months.

• Employer Size: Applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees who offer fully insured group medical, surgical, or hospital coverage.
• Eligibility: Employees and dependents who were covered under the policy for at least six consecutive months and whose coverage ended for reasons other than non-payment of premium.
• Qualifying Events: Termination of employment or other qualifying loss of eligibility, excluding termination for failure to pay premiums.
• Coverage Duration: Continuation is available through the remainder of the current policy month, plus an additional six policy months.
• Premium Payment: Individuals must pay the full premium cost directly to the insurer or plan administrator.
• Election Period: The insurer must include notice of continuation rights in the certificate of coverage following termination.
• How to Apply: Eligible individuals should follow the instructions provided in the insurer’s continuation notice to elect coverage and submit premium payments within the designated timeframe.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in South Carolina

Continuing an employer plan in South Carolina with Mini-COBRA is around $657/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.