COBRA and Continuation of Coverage

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Overview of options you may be eligible for in the event of termination or ineligibility to remain on your group health benefit plan.

Introduction to COBRA

If your employer has 20 or more employees, then you may be eligible for COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985), which allows you and your dependents to continue on the group health (medical and dental) benefit plan at the employer's full price, plus a 2% administrative fee. In the event that you lose your group health coverage (medical or dental), you may be eligible to continue your benefits for up to 18 months or longer. The options available to you are based on whether you were insured under a:

  • Self-funded plan sponsored by your employer or
  • An insurance plan provided by your employer through an insurance company (also referred to as a fully insured plan)

Self-Funded and Certain Insured Plans - COBRA

  • Government/Church Plans - If your group health plan is self-funded but offered through a government or church employer, you should contact your employer's human resources department for more information on what options are available for continuation of benefits.
  • Bankruptcy or Cancellation of Plan - If your employer discontinues the group self-funded health plan or closes its business, then COBRA is not available to you.
  • Jurisdiction - The U.S. Department of Labor has jurisdiction over self-funded group health plans. They may be reached toll-free at 1-866-444-EBSA (3272) or at their Website at www.dol.gov. 

All Size - Fully Insured Plans - N.H. State Continuation

  • N.H. State Continuation - If your group health plan is a fully insured health insurance policy and you are a resident of N.H. then you may be eligible for N.H. State Continuation which allows you and your dependents to continue on the group health (medical and dental) insurance plan at the employer's full price, plus a 2% administrative fee. This option is available to all sized employers who are fully insured.
    • 20 or more employees - Employers with 20 or more employees offering a fully insured health plan can also offer COBRA. You can elect either N.H. State Continuation or COBRA.
  • Bankruptcy or Cancellation of Plan - 39 Week Continuation - If your employer discontinues the fully insured health (medical and dental) insurance plan or closes business and you are a resident of N.H. and working in N.H. you may be eligible for a 39 week continuation plan. This option allows for you and your dependents to continue on the group health insurance plan at the employer's full price plus a 2% administrative fee for a period of 39 weeks. If this occurs, ask your employer or insurance carrier about this option. Contact the N.H. Insurance Department. RSA 415:18 XVI (a-d) 
  • Jurisdiction - The N.H. Insurance Department has jurisdiction over insurance companies, agents, producers and contracts issued in NH. We may be reached at 800-852-3416, option 2, 603-271-2261 or via e-mail at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov.

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