Ohioans who lose jobs at small firms get ‘mini-COBRA’ extension

An emergency amendment inserted into the state’s transportation bill will extend continuation health coverage to 12 months for Ohioans who lost their jobs at small companies (Source: “Ohio extends ‘mini-COBRA’ benefits for former workers of small businesses,” MedCity News, April 3, 2009).

The so-called “mini-COBRA” extension will be available for workers who lost their job at a company that employs fewer than 20 people. Previously, COBRA benefits were available for six months. The amendment also extends the federal subsidy for this health coverage to nine months from six months, according to the Ohio Department of Insurance. The transportation bill was signed by Gov. Strickland last week.

“The expansion of state continuation coverage has made the 65 percent federal stimulus COBRA premium assistance available to more Ohioans,” Mary Jo Hudson, state insurance director, said in a release.