Pennsylvania Cobra Insurance Resource

COBRA Insurance in Pennsylvania:

What are your options?

State Insurance Department Information:

Pennsylvania insurance department documents and articles of interest:

Pennsylvania articles on COBRA Insurance:

Cobra Insurance in Pennsylvania:

If you work for an employer that has over 20 full-time employees:  Then federal COBRA law applies, go to COBRA summary

If you work for an business with fewer then 20 full-time employees:

Has Pennsylvania enacted a Law similar to COBRA for business with fewer than 20 full-time employees?

No, Currently Pennsylvania does not have a law that replicates COBRA for businesses fewer than 20 full-time employees.

If you have coverage through an employer’s group health plan and then lose the coverage as a result
of job termination, you can buy conversion coverage. This is an individual policy from the
company that insured your employer’s group plan. To qualify, you must have been covered under
your prior group health plan for at least three months. In addition, when you apply, you cannot be
covered under or be eligible for similar benefits through a group health plan or Medicare. You
must be notified of your conversion rights and must apply within 31 days of the notification.
Surviving spouses, divorced spouses, and dependent children covered under the group health plan
also may be eligible to purchase a conversion policy.

What are your options?

1. Shop for temporary health insurance: if you do not have preexisting conditions and need temporary coverage for 1-6 months then temporary health insurance is a great solution and you will find that it is extremely affordable.

2. If you have preexisting conditions or pregnant you should try to get on another group plan as quick as you can or contact your local insurance state department to see what they have available for you.  Many states have a guaranteed issue health insurance plan for individuals who cannot secure coverage through a private health insurer.

Pennsylvania State Insurance Department Contact Information:

Harrisburg Regional Office
Room 1321 Strawberry Square
Third and Walnut Streets
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-2317
fax (717) 787-8585
TTY/TDD: (717) 783-3898

Philadelphia Regional Office
Room 1701 State Office Building
1400 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 560-2630
fax (215) 560-2648
TTY/TDD: (215) 560-2471

Pittsburgh Regional Office
Room 304 State Office Building
300 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 565-5020
fax (412) 565-7648
TTY/TDD: (412) 565-2376

Toll Free Consumer Number:  1-877-881-6388

Pennsylvania insurance department documents and articles of interest:

• Pennsylvania Department of Insurance Website

• Pennsylvania Health Insurance Guide (pdf)