Continuation of Benefits Coverage (COBRA) - Connecticut

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Connecticut generally follows federal COBRA, but has provisions that go beyond federal requirements in regard to plan discontinuation.

State

Contact

Connecticut Insurance Department

Regulations

Until Public Act 10-13 became law on May 5, 2010, Connecticut had followed federal COBRA rules allowing an extension of 18 months for Connecticut employees who lost coverage due to layoff, reduction of hours, leave of absence, or termination of employment, except in the event of death o the employee or termination of employment due to gross misconduct. §38a-538

Former employees covered under Connecticut fully insured small employer and large employer group health plans are eligible to keep their coverage for 30 months. Individuals who are currently on state of federal (COBRA) continuation due to a qualifying event are also eligible to extend their current continuation.

Public Act 10-13 does not apply to self-insured plans or to dental, vision, or prescription drug coverage.

If a plan is discontinued, and replaced with another plan, the succeeding carrier must give credit for the satisfaction of the provisions of the prior plan providing similar benefits. §38a.546

If the company is relocating or closing, the employer must pay for the continuation of existing group health insurance for each affected employee and his or her dependents from the date of relocation or closing for 120 days or until the employee becomes eligible for other group coverage, whichever is the lesser.§31-51o

Group comprehensive plans must offer continuation coverage regardless of the employee's or dependent's eligibility for other group insurance, during an employee's absence due to illness or injury, continuation of coverage during the illness or injury or for up to twelve months from the beginning of the absence. Continuation coverage must also be offered for covered individuals who were totally disabled on the date of termination without premium payment during the disability for a period of 12 calendar months following the calendar month in which the plan was terminated. §38a-554

Title 38a, Insurance: www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/title_38a.htm

chapter 700c, Health Insurance: www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_700c.htm

§38a-538: www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_700c.htm#sec_38a-538 

§38a.546: www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_700c.htm#sec_38a-546

§38a.554: www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_700c.htm#sec_38a-554

Title 31, Labor: www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/title_31.htm

chapter 557, Employment regulation: www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_557.htm

§31-51o: www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_557.htm#sec_31-51o

Public Act 10-13: www.cga.ct.gov/2010/ACT/PA/2010PA-00013-R00HB-05219-PA.htm

Federal

Contact

Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

Regulations

26 CFR 54.4980B-1 et seq.