Nevada COBRA Coverage

In Nevada, there are two types of COBRA healthcare continuation coverage: federal COBRA and Nevada COBRA insurance. Under both of these options, employees and dependents who lose their coverage due to what is considered a “qualifying event” may be able to temporarily extend their group health insurance plan while they are between jobs. If you are living in Nevada and recently lost your job or had your work hours reduced, you and your dependents may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage. Contact a knowledgeable Nevada COBRA attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options for healthcare coverage, as the amount of time you have to apply for COBRA may be limited.

Federal COBRA Continuation Coverage

The federal COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows retiring employees, or those who lose their healthcare coverage due to job loss, reduced work hours, or another qualifying event, to continue their group health plan for a limited period of time. Under federal law, employees whose employer-sponsored healthcare plan covered 20 or more employees may temporarily extend their health insurance coverage for up to 18 months. In order to be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, an employee must have lost coverage due to the following qualifying events: a reduction in hours, or termination of employment for any reason other than gross misconduct. An employee’s dependents may also qualify for up to 36 months of COBRA coverage if they lost their health benefits due to: the employee’s death, divorce or legal separation, the employee qualifying for Medicare, or a loss of “dependent” status under the health plan’s provisions.

Nevada COBRA Insurance

While federal COBRA only applies to individuals whose employer-sponsored health plans covered 20 or more employees, Nevada has a state continuation program similar to COBRA that applies to health plans covering between two and 19 employees. Employees in Nevada who lose their health insurance can elect to extend their healthcare coverage under the state’s continuation program for a maximum of 18 months, while dependents can qualify for 36 months, with qualifying event provisions similar to COBRA. To qualify for Nevada COBRA insurance, you must have been covered under your former group health plan for at least 12 months, and you must apply within 60 days of losing your coverage. You must also not have left your former job voluntarily.

An Experienced COBRA Attorney Can Help

Losing your health benefits can be devastating, but there are federal and state programs in place that were specifically created to provide continuation coverage for Nevada employees and dependents who lose their healthcare plans due to job loss, reduced work hours, divorce, or other qualifying events. If you have lost your employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and you believe you and your loved ones may qualify for federal COBRA or Nevada COBRA insurance, consult a reputable Nevada employment law attorney today for legal help. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can ensure that your rights are protected, and pursue the benefits you are entitled to.