COBRA Rules by State

Federal COBRA works the same way everywhere. What changes from state to state is what happens when the employer is too small for federal rules to apply.

Most states have their own continuation law, often called mini-COBRA, covering employers below the twenty-employee federal threshold. Those laws differ in ways that matter: how much you can be charged, how long you have to elect, and how long coverage lasts.

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Why the State Matters

Three things change depending on where you live.

• The premium cap. Federal COBRA allows up to 102 percent of the plan cost. State laws vary, and some allow considerably more.

• The election window. Federal COBRA gives you 60 days. Several states give half that.

• How long coverage lasts. Federal COBRA runs 18 to 36 months. State continuation periods range from a few months to the full federal length.

If you worked for an employer with twenty or more staff, federal COBRA applies and your state law usually does not change anything. Below that threshold, your state law is the one that governs.

How federal COBRA works →

State Guides

We are adding these state by state, researching each against that state’s own statute rather than generalising. More to follow.

We are licensed in 46 states. If your state is not listed yet, a licensed agent can still tell you what applies where you live. See our licensing →

Not sure which rules apply to you?

A licensed agent can confirm whether federal COBRA or your state law governs, work out your deadlines, and price your alternatives. No cost, no obligation.

Prefer to talk? Call (888) 918-4516 · Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern

This website provides educational information about health insurance and is a solicitation for insurance. It is a non-government website operated by Prodest Insurance Group, a health insurance agency that presents health plans, which may include Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, private health insurance, short-term medical insurance, or supplemental insurance based on the consumer's selection. Qualified ACA plans must meet or exceed the essential benefit requirements of the Affordable Care Act; non-ACA plans are not required to provide all of the essential benefit requirements contained in the Affordable Care Act. Pre-existing condition provisions, benefit availability, limitations and exclusions vary by plan type and state. You should review all plan details and product brochures before purchase. To qualify for ACA health insurance coverage outside of the open enrollment period, you must meet special enrollment requirements.

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