Massachusetts Mini-COBRA

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The Massachusetts Mini-COBRA law applies to employers with 2 or more employees who offer group health insurance. Employees may qualify if they lose their coverage due to a reduction in hours or termination of employment and are not eligible for federal COBRA. To receive Mini-COBRA, the employee must elect coverage within the allowed time frame and pay the full required premium.

Massachusetts Mini-COBRA Law

A 1996 law in Massachusetts allows the continuation of group health insurance coverage for employees of small businesses not covered by federal COBRA. Under the state’s Mini-COBRA law, eligible individuals who lose coverage due to termination or a reduction in hours may continue their group plan for a limited time.

  • Applies to employees of companies with fewer than 20 employees.
  • Covers up to 12 months of continued group health coverage.
  • Employees must elect coverage within 60 days of the qualifying event.
  • The full premium, up to 102% of the group rate, must be paid by the individual.
  • Continued coverage must include the same benefits as the original group plan.

COBRA Continuation Costs $725/mo on average in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, if you choose to continue your work health insurance you will be responsible for the full premium, including the portion previously paid by your employer.

Applying for Mini-COBRA in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Continuation Law may allow you to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance if your employer has 20 or more fewer full-time workers participating in the company health plan.

To continue your work health plan, you will need to apply through your employer or a third-party administrator responsible for managing COBRA benefits.

Helpful Resources in Massachusetts

Alternative Low Cost Medical Plans in Massachusetts

Continuing an employer plan in Massachusetts with Mini-COBRA is around $725/mo, per individual. If COBRA is unavailable or is outside of your budget, you do have affordable other options for health coverage. See below:

The cost of health insurance is determined by your age and state of residency.

Basic Health Solution
Virtual Doctor Visits, Prescription Savings
Access Teladoc telehealth, prescription savings, and identity theft protection.
Accident-Only Insurance
Up to $1 Million Coverage
Covers accidental injuries and includes Teladoc. Starting at $40/mo.
Limited Indemnity
Fixed-Benefit Plan
Pays fixed benefits for covered medical events. Includes Teladoc.
Telehealth Only
$19.95 per month
Physicians available for common issues and prescription refills.
Vision Insurance
Nationwide Network
Annual exams, frame or contact allowances, nationwide provider network.

Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage in Massachusetts

Residents of Massachusetts must apply for ACA health coverage through the state exchange.

All plans available through the exchange meet federal ACA standards. They include coverage for pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits such as doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, surgery, maternity care, mental health treatment and prescription drugs. Visit: www.mass.gov

Budget-Friendly Health Coverage Solutions to Massachusetts Mini-COBRA

In Massachusetts you can bridge a gap using one of the following plans:

Health Continuation Laws by State