How Much Is Cobra Health Insurance in New York?

If you leave your job for any reason other than being fired for gross misconduct, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) guarantees you (and often your spouse and dependent children) the right to continue your employer's group health insurance plan. In New York, you are usually eligible for COBRA benefits for up to 36 months, as long as you pay the premiums. The cost of COBRA is dependent on the health insurance plan that your employer offers and is not related to the state where you live.

COBRA Premiums

• If you choose to continue your insurance through COBRA, you typically pay 100 percent of the cost of the premium at the group rate plus a 2 percent administrative fee. The premium cost will depend on what type of health insurance plan you had with your former employer. The more benefits offered by the plan, the more it will cost.

COBRA Coverage

• In addition to your right to continue your health care coverage if you leave a job, COBRA also provides coverage in other situations: If you are covered under your spouse's health insurance, and you divorce your spouse, you can apply for COBRA coverage even though your spouse still works for the employer. Also, if you were covered on your parent's insurance, and now are no longer eligible to be on that insurance, you can apply for COBRA coverage. If you die or become eligible for Medicare benefits, your spouse and dependent children can apply for COBRA coverage.

Applying for COBRA

• To receive COBRA benefits, you must make your request in writing within 60 days following the later of either your last day of employment or the date you receive notice of your right to continue your health insurance coverage from either your employer or the health plan.

Considerations in New York

• According to federal law, most employers who have 20 or more employees and provide group health plans must provide COBRA coverage. In addition, New York State law requires that employers with fewer than 20 employees provide the equivalent of COBRA benefits.