How Does COBRA Insurance Work in Tennessee? From Costs to Laws and Alternatives
QUICK CHECK
COBRA Eligibility
Are You In Good Health?
COBRA Alternative:
Save Up To 70%
Try Short-Term Health Insurance
$80/month*
Covers An Insurance Gap
Until Your Next Work Health Plan Starts
Get A Quote, Enroll Online
Shop Plans
Call us
877-262-7241
*Based on age and state availability
Continuing Health Insurance Coverage In Tennessee
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
Tennessee’s Mini-COBRA Law
Tennessee’s state continuation of coverage law, as outlined in Tennessee Code Title 56. Insurance § 56-7-2312, requires that group policies for hospital, surgical or major medical expense insurance, or any combination of these coverages, must offer coverage continuation options to eligible employees or members. Those whose insurance coverage has been terminated for any reason except for discontinuance of the group policy in its entirety or with respect to an insured class may be entitled to continued coverage under the group policy for the fractional policy months remaining at termination, plus three additional policy months. They must pay the employer the full group premium for this continuation of coverage, including any portion of the premium typically paid by their former employer on or before the beginning of each month’s coverage.
After the continuation period ends, the person may be entitled to a policy of health insurance that complies with the applicable requirements specified in Tennessee’s insurance law. If the group policy was terminated in its entirety or with respect to an insured class of which the employee was a member, the employee may not be entitled to continued coverage or a converted policy. The employee may have the right of conversion upon termination of the group policy. However, an employee may not be entitled to continued coverage or a converted policy if their insurance under the group policy terminated because they failed to pay any required contribution, are eligible for Medicare under Title XVIII of the federal Social Security Act, or the discontinued group coverage was replaced by similar group coverage within 31 days.
Medicare Open Enrollment
October 15 – December 7
Whether you're improving your existing coverage or looking for new options, COBRAinsurance.com's federally certified Medicare consultants are here to help.
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplements
- Prescription Drug Plans
We Understand Medicare
Get expert assistance to make informed decisions for 2025. Connect with us today. Learn More.
Getting Pre-Existing Coverage in Tennessee
Ensuring you have a major medical plan and enough health insurance coverage is important. Pre-existing conditions refer to medical conditions that were there before you got your health insurance policy, which could be chronic or acute conditions.
Major medical plans that are certified under the Affordable Care Act are meant to give complete health insurance coverage, including hospitalization, surgery and other medical services that might be necessary because of pre-existing conditions.
Marketplace / Obamacare Alternatives to COBRA
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 Tennessee is $471/month per individual, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
You May Qualify For A Subsidy
How To Apply For COBRA
Whether through the federal mandate or Tennessee’s Mini-COBRA law, employers with at least two eligible employees must notify their staff about the availability of COBRA coverage following a qualifying event. Scenarios include job termination, quitting or a reduction in hours while employed. Those covered by their spouse’s group insurance plan may also apply for COBRA benefits if they recently divorced or were widowed, if the spouse’s employer filed for bankruptcy or if their spouse recently became eligible for Medicare.
You sign up for COBRA with your former employer or their third–party administrator. You have 60 days following a qualifying event to apply for coverage and 45 days to pay your premium.
How Long Does COBRA Last?
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.
How Much Is COBRA Insurance?
The premium will be $400–700/month, per insured person. Realize that your amount includes what you used to pay per month plus your employer’s contribution and an administration fee no more than 2%.
Tennessee Allows Short-Term Health Insurance Plans
In Tennessee, the state allows the use of short-term medical insurance to provide temporary coverage in case of a gap in insurance, such as during a job transition or while waiting for other coverage to begin.
Short Term Medical Insurance: New Illnesses & Injury Coverage
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.
Accident Only Insurance with Telehealth
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
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.
Medicare
After your workplace insurance ends, you’ll sign up for Medicare within eight 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.
Remain Insured
Accident Only plans start at $44/mo
Short-Term Medical low as $80/mo
Call us
877-262-7241
Get A Quote, Enroll Online
Shop Plans
