How COBRA Insurance Works in Ohio: Laws, Costs and More
Across the country, individuals who have lost their jobs have the option to continue their health insurance coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). This federal law allows eligible individuals to temporarily maintain their group health coverage under their former employer’s plan for a limited period.
Ohio has a state continuation coverage law known as “mini-COBRA.” This law provides a similar option to COBRA for individuals who have lost coverage due to job loss, but it applies to employers with fewer than 20 employees who are not subject to federal COBRA requirements.
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COBRA Eligibility
Ohio Allows
COBRA Alternative:
Save Up To 70%
Accident Only Coverage
Starting At
$44/month*
Covers An Insurance Gap
Until Your Next Work Health Plan Starts
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*Based on age and state availability
Ohio Health Insurance Coverage Continuation
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
Ohio’s Mini-COBRA Law
Whether for coverage immediately following a qualifying event or temporary health insurance between jobs, those currently or previously employed by small businesses find themselves in a conundrum when attempting to access COBRA benefits. In Ohio, Mini-COBRA addresses this gap by providing continuation coverage for individuals who have lost their group health insurance due to job loss or other qualifying events. This coverage applies to employers who are exempt from federal COBRA requirements, such as group plans with fewer than 20 employees, church employer plans, and certain governmental plans. The coverage under Mini-COBRA allows former employees and their qualified dependents to continue receiving their group health coverage for a period of 12 months following the loss of coverage.
It is important to note that while Mini-COBRA shares similarities with federal COBRA, there are some differences in terms of eligibility and timing.
The specifics of Ohio’s state continuation coverage can be found in the Ohio Revised Code section 3923.38.
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Getting Pre-Existing Condition Coverage in Ohio With COBRA
People with pre-existing conditions in Ohio should consider using COBRA when they need temporary health insurance coverage because it provides stability and continuity of care. With COBRA, individuals can maintain their current health insurance plan, which often includes their current network of doctors and medical facilities. This can be especially important for individuals with pre-existing conditions, as switching to a new health plan can be challenging and may result in disruptions to their care.
How to Apply for COBRA in Ohio
Employer Has 20+ Employees
Whether through the federal law or Ohio’s Mini-COBRA law, employers are obligated to notify their staff about obtaining temporary health insurance through COBRA following a qualifying event and how to pursue coverage. You sign up for COBRA with your former employer or their third–party administrator.
Qualifying events include job loss or a reduction in hours while working for your current employer, as well as quitting. You may also apply for coverage if you recently divorced your spouse and lost coverage through their group health plan; you recently became widowed; your spouse’s employer filed for bankruptcy; or your spouse became eligible for Medicare.
In all cases, you have 60 days to apply for coverage following the event 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 Does COBRA Cost?
The premium will be $400–700/month, per insured person. Costs are based on your former premiums, including the portion previously deducted from your paycheck and the amount your employer paid. An administration fee of no more than 2% is additionally factored into your monthly premium.
Marketplace/Obamacare Alternatives to COBRA
A loss of work health insurance is a qualifying event to find new healthcare through the public healthcare exchange.
The average plan premium in Ohio is $411/month according to kff.com.
Bridging the Gap with Short-Term Health Insurance in Ohio
Short-term health insurance can be used in Ohio to bridge a gap in coverage. This type of insurance is designed to provide temporary coverage for individuals who are between health insurance plans or waiting for coverage to begin. It can be a good option for those who are transitioning between jobs, waiting for open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act, or need coverage for a specific period.
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 – 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.
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
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