Continuation of Benefits Coverage (COBRA) - Mississippi

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Mississippi law provides for continuation of benefits for hospital or major medical expenses, and includes the following provisions:

• The law covers all employers. §83-93-51
• Continuation benefits are offered to those covered for the three consecutive months preceding termination. §83-9-51
• Continuation benefits must cover dependents. §83-9-51
• Continuation coverage may last up to 12 months. §83-9-51
• Continuation coverage is not available to those who are or could be otherwise covered within 31 days immediately following the date of termination, or whose insurance terminated because of fraud or because they failed to pay any required contribution for the insurance,  who are eligible for federal COBRA, or who becomes entitled to Medicare benefits. §83-9-51
• Continuation coverage also ends if the plan terminates. §83-9-51
• A notification of the continuation privilege must be included in each certificate of coverage. §83-9-51
• Notices must be provided within 14 days for dependents who lose eligibility because they are no longer dependents, and to ex-spouses in cases of divorce. Election of continued coverage must be made within 30 days after receiving the notice. §83-9-51

State

Contact

Mississippi Department of Insurance

Regulations

Mississippi Code

Title 83 Insurance, Chapter 9 Accident, Health, and Medicare Supplement Insurance

Federal

Contact

Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

Regulations

26 CFR 54.4980B-1 et seq.