Continuation Coverage Extension to 36 Months

On July 29, 2009, Governor Paterson signed into law Chapter 236 of the Laws of 2009, which improves access to health insurance for New Yorkers by making state continuation coverage (“mini-COBRA”) available for a total of 36 months.  Under the law, people eligible for federal COBRA or state continuation coverage may receive a total of 36 months of coverage.

• Summary of the Law and FAQs (updated 12/23/2009)
• Text of the Bill (PDF format)
• Bill Memo (PDF format)

COBRA and State Continuation Coverage

General Information About COBRA and State Continuation Coverage

• COBRA FAQs

Updated! COBRA and State Continuation Coverage Premium Subsidy Pursuant to ARRA

COBRA and State Continuation Premium Assistance Information

Information about the COBRA and state continuation coverage 65% premium subsidy available to involuntarily terminated workers pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)

• Updated! Premium Assistance Information

Circular Letter 10 of 2009 Pertaining to COBRA and State Continuation Coverage Premium Assistance Pursuant to ARRA and State Law

Information about insurers' obligations under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and Chapter 7 of the New York State Laws of 2009

• Circular Letter 10 (2009)

Model New York State Continuation Coverage Election Notice (updated 01/29/2010)

Revised model notice that insurers may use to notify workers of the premium subsidy that includes information about the federal premium subsidy extension

• Model Notice (RTF/Word format)

State Continuation Assistance Program for Entertainment Workers

NYS Continuation Assistance Program for Entertainment Workers

Information about New York State's premium assistance subsidy for entertainment workers

• Assistance Program for Entertainment Workers

Updated 01/29/2010