Short answer: In Louisiana, the insurer—not the employer—is responsible for notifying individuals of their State Continuation rights.
State Continuation
Sometimes referred to as “mini COBRA” or “state COBRA,” State Continuation laws provide similar rights to continue health coverage as COBRA, but are state-specific and often apply to employers not subject to federal COBRA, typically smaller businesses. State Continuation normally applies only to fully-insured employers, so level-funded plans might not have a continuation option. In many states, employers subject to state continuation laws have notice requirements similar to COBRA and may want to outsource the compliance reponsibilities to a third-party administrator (TPA).
What is Texas State Continuation coverage?
Short answer: Texas State Continuation is a Texas law that allows individuals to temporarily continue fully insured group medical coverage after losing eligibility, either for up to 9 months or for up to 6 months after COBRA ends.
How is Texas State Continuation different from COBRA?
Short answer: COBRA is a federal continuation law that applies mainly to employers with 20 or more employees, while Texas State Continuation is a Texas law that applies only to fully insured group medical plans and operates either instead of COBRA or after COBRA ends.
How long does Texas State Continuation coverage last?
Short answer: Texas State Continuation coverage generally lasts up to 9 months, or up to 6 months after COBRA ends, but certain dependents may qualify for up to 36 months in limited situations.
Who is eligible for Texas State Continuation coverage?
Short answer: Individuals covered under a fully insured Texas group medical plan for at least three consecutive months before losing coverage may qualify for Texas State Continuation, unless coverage ended due to termination for cause.
What is Louisiana State Continuation coverage?
Short answer: Louisiana State Continuation allows certain individuals to continue fully insured group health coverage issued in Louisiana for up to 12 months after losing eligibility due to job loss or reduced hours.