Understanding COBRA Insurance Coverage in Utah
Mini-COBRA, as outlined in Utah Code Section 31A-22-722, allows eligible employees who work for employers with fewer than 20 employees to continue their group health insurance coverage after experiencing a qualifying event such as job loss or a reduction in hours. This provision, akin to the federal COBRA, extends benefits for a limited period, typically up to 12 months, and requires that the individual pays the full premium cost, possibly including an administrative fee. This law ensures that those who lose employer-sponsored health coverage can maintain their health insurance during transitional periods.
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Continuing Health Insurance Coverage In Utah
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Utah’s Mini-COBRA Law
Utah’s mini-COBRA law, as specified in 31A-22-722, provides continuation of group health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents in cases of qualifying events. Mini-COBRA benefits are available to employees who work for employers with between two and 19 employees, and who are not eligible for federal COBRA coverage.
Under Utah law, qualifying events for mini-COBRA benefits include the death of the employee, termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct, or a reduction in hours that results in the employee losing their eligibility for group health coverage. Dependents of the employee may also qualify for mini-COBRA benefits in the event of the employee’s death, termination or reduction of hours. The maximum length of coverage under Utah’s mini-COBRA law is 12 months, although this can be extended for dependents in some circumstances, such as disability or divorce.
It is important for both employers and employees in Utah to be aware of the state’s mini-COBRA benefits in order to ensure that they have access to continued health insurance coverage in the event of a qualifying event. Employers with between two and 19 employees must provide written notification to their employees of their mini-COBRA rights and the procedure for electing coverage. Employees who experience a qualifying event should also be proactive in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the law, including the amount of the premiums they must pay to continue their coverage.
Source: Utah Insurance Code 31A-22-722
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Getting Coverage For Pre-Existing Conditions In Texas
Having health insurance coverage is crucial for individuals living in Utah with pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is any medical condition that existed before the effective date of a health insurance policy, which can include both chronic and acute conditions. Without health insurance, individuals with pre-existing conditions may face significant medical expenses, limited access to healthcare providers, and potential financial ruin. Health insurance can help alleviate these concerns by providing coverage for hospitalization, surgery, medications, and other medical services that may be necessary due to a pre-existing condition.
Utah residents with pre-existing conditions can also rely on state continuation benefits to continue coverage under a group policy or choose to enroll in a major medical plan certified under the Affordable Care Act to ensure adequate health insurance coverage.
Marketplace / Obamacare
Sometimes state and federal subsidies help offset the premium for individual marketplace insurance.
A loss of work health insurance is a qualifying event to find new healthcare through the public healthcare exchange.
In 2023, the average ACA health plan premium in Texas is $462/month per individual, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
You May Qualify For A Subsidy
Apply For COBRA
Employer Has 20+ Employees
As an employee, you may continue your most recent work health insurance for up to 18 months. 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.
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.
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