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How COBRA Insurance Works in Virginia

Virginia law § 38.2-3541 requires health insurers to offer continuation of coverage to employees and their dependents when their eligibility for group coverage terminates, except in cases of fraud or failure to pay premiums. The law applies to group health plans of employers with 2 to 19 employees.

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Continuing Health Insurance Coverage In Virginia

Please choose:

No Pre-Existing Conditions
Term Medical Gap Coverage

Available in some states, as low as $44/month

Coverage For
Pre-Existing Conditions

$400 – 700/month per individual

Medicare
Nearing Retirement Age

Learn about Medicare Advantage

Virginia’s Mini-COBRA Law

Virginia’s law § 38.2-3541 requires group health plans to offer continuation of coverage to eligible employees and their dependents when their coverage is terminated due to qualifying events, such as the loss of a job or a reduction in work hours. The law applies to group health plans sponsored by employers with two to 19 employees, and the continuation period is 12 months. This law also requires that individuals be given notice of their continuation rights, as well as the cost of the coverage and payment procedures.

The main difference between Virginia’s law § 38.2-3541 and federal COBRA is that Virginia’s law applies to group health plans sponsored by small employers, while COBRA applies to group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees. Additionally, Virginia’s law provides for a 12-month continuation period, while COBRA provides for a continuation period of up to 18 or 36 months depending on the qualifying event. Virginia’s law also requires that continuation coverage be offered to dependents, while COBRA only requires continuation coverage to be offered to covered employees and their spouses and dependent children.

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Getting Coverage For Pre-Existing Conditions In Virginia

Having adequate health insurance coverage is crucial for Virginia residents, especially those who have pre-existing medical conditions that existed before obtaining a health insurance policy. These pre-existing conditions can range from chronic to acute conditions, which can lead to significant medical expenses and limited access to healthcare providers without proper health insurance coverage.

Fortunately, Virginia residents have access to major medical plans certified under the Affordable Care Act, which offer comprehensive health insurance coverage, including hospitalization, surgery, and other medical services necessary for pre-existing conditions.

These major medical plans provide a safety net for those who do not have access to COBRA coverage or have exhausted it. By enrolling in a major medical plan, Texans can ensure that they have sufficient health insurance coverage to manage any medical condition, and prevent potential financial ruin.

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 Virginia is $354/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.

Short-Term Health Insurance Plans Allowed in Virginia

People in the state of Virginia can use short-term medical plans while in between jobs. Short-term medical plans typically provide coverage for a limited period, often up to 12 months, and are designed to bridge gaps in health insurance coverage. However, it’s important to note that short-term medical plans may not cover pre-existing conditions, and in Virginia, there is no requirement for these plans to offer such coverage. Therefore, it’s essential to review the terms and conditions of any short-term medical plan carefully before enrolling to ensure it meets your specific needs.

Short Term Medical Insurance: New Illnesses & Injury Coverage

Flex term short term medical insurance

Plans begin at $80/month.
Based on age and state availability

The FlexTerm Health Insurance plan provides health insurance coverage to help protect you from the medical bills that can result from newly unexpected Injuries and Sickness.

Coverage begins as early as midnight tonight.

Accident Only Insurance with Telehealth

Coverage begins as early as midnight tonight.

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 giving you access to prescribing doctors for common issues.

Limited Indemnity with Telehealth

Includes Telehealth giving you
access to prescribing doctors for common issues.

Core Health Insurance provides guaranteed acceptance Limited Indemnity Medical coverage for your basic medical needs, helping to provide a medical option for people who do not have the luxury of being covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan.

Coverage begins as early as midnight tonight.

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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