Continuation of Benefits Coverage (COBRA) - Pennsylvania

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Federal COBRA applies to employers who offer group health plans, and have 20 or more employees, but state laws may also apply. Employers may also have to provide continuation of benefits if they adopt plan documents that include COBRA provisions.

Pennsylvania has mini-COBRA provisions allowing employees of small businesses (2 – 19 employees) who lose their jobs to continue receiving their health insurance at their expense for up to nine months. (§635.4 PA Unconsolidated Statutes)

State

Contact

Pennsylvania Insurance Department

Regulations

This state has enacted provisions in response to the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-5) in regard to COBRA continuation. See HB 1089.

Pennsylvania Statutes

Title 40 Insurance

Pennsylvania Unconsolidated Statutes

§635.4 Mini-COBRA Small Employer Group Health Policies

Federal

Contact

Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

Regulations

26 CFR 54.4980B-1 et seq.