If your group coverage terminates under certain, specifically defined circumstances, you may be eligible to have that group coverage extended for a period of time, or converted to coverage under an individual policy. For employment groups of fewer than twenty employees, state law provides for continuation of group coverage for up to twelve months, with the option to convert to an individual plan subsequent to the extension — or, the converted coverage can be selected outright if no interim group extension is provided by the employer. For groups larger than twenty employees, Federal COBRA provisions allow extension of the group benefits for longer periods of time, depending on the events which brought about the loss of coverage for any given individual or family. Contact your employer, insurance or benefits representative, or the appropriate governmental agency to learn more about these options to continue health insurance coverage.
Below is further information about state and federal extension and conversion programs:
