19.7.2 Mini-COBRA
The Florida Health Insurance Coverage Continuation Act is akin to COBRA, and is referred to as Mini-COBRA. COBRA basically guarantees the consumer's right to purchase group health insurance for generally up to 18 months, without proof of insurability, after their employment ceases. Conversion must take place within 31 days after termination of employment. Employers are required to provide their employees and their employees' family members a continuation of their group health coverage, at a cost not to exceed 115% of the regular group rate if the employee loses coverage because of employment termination, reduction in hours, divorce, death of the supporting spouse, or other qualifying events. The Act requires insurers who supply group health insurance coverage to small employers to extend coverage from the date coverage would have typically ended, which allows enough time to find replacement health insurance through another employer or on their own.
If the employee is disabled at the time continuation coverage begins, coverage can be extended up to an additional 11 months at a cost of 150% for each additional month.
