COBRA
If you are leaving a group of 20 or more employees, your right to continue your health insurance is governed by Federal Law known as COBRA. Your employer should provide you with information regarding your COBRA continuation rights.
Florida "Mini-COBRA"
The Florida Health Insurance Coverage Continuation Act (FHICCA), or the Florida Mini-COBRA provision, became effective January 1, 1997. This provision entitles individuals a continuation of coverage, much like the federal COBRA provision, except it is for groups with less than 20 full-time employees. If you have any questions about Florida Mini-COBRA and your health plan, contact the health plan. Highlights of the Mini-COBRA provision include:
An employee, and his/her dependents are eligible for a continuation of coverage of up to 18 months. If an employee is totally disabled, then coverage may be for up to 29 months.
The insurance company or HMO is responsible for the administration of the continuance of coverage rather than the employer. You send your premiums directly to the insurance company.
Premiums paid for continuation of coverage may not exceed 115% of the group rate, and no more than 150% of the group rate during the 11 month disability extension.
An eligible employee must give written notice to the insurance company or HMO within 30 days after the occurrence of the qualifying event, as opposed to 60 days under the federal COBRA provision.
This is a very important point for you to remember:
It is your responsibility (not your employer's) to notify the insurance company within 30 days if you wish to maintain their rights under Florida Mini-COBRA. This is different from the Federal COBRA law.
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