Remember that employers are required to provide information to eligible employees about COBRA or North Dakota Continuation health insurance coverage. These options allow employees to continue receiving health insurance coverage after they experience a qualifying event, such as the termination of employment or a reduction in hours that results in a loss of insurance coverage.

Here is a quick breakdown of how COBRA and Continuation coverage work:

• Employers with more than 20 employees are subject to COBRA regulations. For help, refer to the U.S. Department of Labor employer guide and COBRA templates in both English and Spanish.
• Employers with fewer than 20 employees can refer to their Summary Plan Description (SPD) for more details about North Dakota Continuation.

Need assistance with COBRA administration? Please contact your BCBSND representative and we will provide options through trusted partners. Learn more about COBRA.

Keep in mind that employer decisions regarding COBRA and North Dakota Continuation are an employer/employee issue.

FYI, North Dakota Continuation coverage is a state program that requires state employers with fewer than 20 employees to provide 39 weeks of continuing insurance coverage for employees who lose coverage through termination of employment or membership. There are no exceptions under state law that would exempt employers from providing this coverage to qualifying former workers because of “gross misconduct” on the part of the employee. North Dakota Continuation requirements do not apply to employers with 20 or more employees, but employers can voluntarily provide continuation coverage for longer than the 39 weeks required by state law.