Continuation of Benefits Coverage (COBRA) - New Hampshire

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

New Hampshire continuation provisions include an extension period of 18 months (29 months for disabled individuals).

If employees compensation is suspended or terminated as the result of a labor dispute for up to six months, and if the premiums are paid in full or in part by the employer, plan participants may elect to pay the premiums.

New Hampshire law also covers conversion from group to individual policies that provide for hospital, surgical, or major medical expense insurance. Participants must have been insured under the group policy for at least 60 days. If termination of coverage occurs for any reason participants are entitled to have issued to them an individual policy of insurance, as long as application is made within 31 days. Plan participants must be given written notice of this conversion privilege and its duration within 15 days after the date of termination of the group policy.

State

Contact

New Hampshire Insurance Department

Regulations

New Hampshire Revised Statutes

Title XXXVII Insurance, Chapter 415 Accident and Health Insurance

§415:18 Group or Blanket Policy Provisions

Federal

Contact

Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

Regulations

26 CFR 54.4980B-1 et seq.