Wisconsin Health Insurance Continuation (Mini-COBRA)

Wisconsin workers and their families may continue their employer-sponsored health insurance coverage after losing eligibility due to events such as job loss or reduced work hours. For employers with 20 or more employees, continuation coverage is governed by federal COBRA. For smaller employers, Wisconsin law (s. 632.897, Wis. Stat.) provides a state-level continuation requirement.

Wisconsin’s continuation statute applies to most group health insurance policies that offer hospital or medical care, regardless of the employer's size. However, it does not apply to self-funded plans or policies that only cover specific diseases or accidental injuries. The statute also allows continuation for out-of-state employees working for a Wisconsin-based employer.

Wisconsin's Mini-COBRA Law

Under Wisconsin Statute s. 632.897, employees and their dependents who lose group health insurance coverage are entitled to continue that coverage for a limited period. This state-level continuation law applies to group policies issued in Wisconsin, regardless of the employer’s size, but does not include self-funded plans or certain limited-scope coverages.

• Employer Size: Applies to group policies issued in Wisconsin, including those from employers with fewer than 20 employees. Does not apply to self-funded plans.
• Eligibility: Employees and their insured dependents who lose coverage due to job loss, reduction in hours, or other qualifying life events. Employees living outside of Wisconsin but working for a Wisconsin-based company may also be eligible.
• Qualifying Events: Termination of employment, reduction in hours, death of the employee, divorce, or a dependent aging out of coverage.
• Coverage Duration: Continuation coverage is generally available for up to 18 months under Wisconsin law.
• Premium Payment: Individuals must pay the full premium amount to maintain coverage. The employer is not required to subsidize any portion.
• Covered Benefits: Applies to medical and hospital coverage. Stand-alone dental, vision, and prescription drug plans are not required to be included.
• Election Period: Employers or insurers are required to provide written notice of continuation rights at the time of coverage loss.
• How to Apply: Eligible individuals should follow the instructions outlined in the continuation notice to elect coverage and submit premium payments within the designated timeframe.

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Wisconsin

Continuing an employer plan in Wisconsin with Mini-COBRA is around $722/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.