COBRA - Keeping Employer Group Health Insurance After a Job Ends - Federal & New York State Protections

Here are resources on rights to continue coverage after losing one's job, under the federal "COBRA" law and related NYS protections.

NYS Dept. of Financial Services COBRA website
Unmarried children up to age 29 are now eligible for coverage under fully insured group policies maintained by a parent. Employers may permit children to enroll at a family member rate, but otherwise these children can enroll at the full adult rate. Information on this program is available at https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/health_insurance/cobra_and_premium_assistance
Individuals and families who face the loss of COBRA coverage after 18 months may be eligible to extend their COBRA benefit under fully insured group plans for another 18 months as a result of a new New York State law enacted in 11/2009, Information and an FAQ are available https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/health_insurance/cobra_coverage_extension_36_Months

Extra Coverage Help Under the American Rescue Plan for New Yorkers Who Lost Jobs and Job-Based Insurance (United Hospital Fund Aug. 2021)

Extra Coverage Help Under the American Rescue Plan for New Yorkers Who Lost Jobs and Job-Based Insurance A HealthWatch brief examining the ways that the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act helped consumers afford premiums on lost employer-based coverage
Grim Times and Health Insurance: Maintaining Coverage During the Pandemic
Grim Times and Health Insurance: Maintaining Coverage During the Pandemic A consumer guide with practical advice on how New Yorkers can replace lost health coverage or find a new health plan during these perilous times. Available in English, Spanish, Simplified ... United Hospital Fund Aug. 2021)
Medicare Rights Center - COBRA and Medicare coordination and related COBRA info

This article was authored by the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program of New York Legal Assistance Group.