21/18 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK Note: The states of Alaska, Delaware and Idaho are not included in this chart because they do not have laws specifically controlling health insurance continuation. Check your state department of labor if you need more information (See Appendix C for contact list). Alabama Ala. Code § 27-55-3 (4) No general continuation laws, but subjects of domestic abuse, who have lost coverage under abuser’s plan and who do not qualify for COBRA, may have 18 months coverage (applies to all employers). Arizona Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 20-1377, 20-1408 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health and disability insurance. Qualifying event: Death of employee; change in marital status. Length of coverage for dependents: May convert to indi- vidual policy upon death of covered employee or divorce or legal separation. Coverage must be the same unless the insured chooses a lesser plan. (Insurer may offer group insurance as long as there is no change in coverage.) Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights: No provisions for employer. Insurance policy must include notice of conversion privilege. Clerk of court must provide notice to anyone filing for divorce that dependent spouse is entitled to convert health insurance coverage. Time employee has to apply: 31 days after termination of existing coverage. Special benefits: Applies to blanket accident and sickness insurance policies and to all disability insurance issued by hospital, medical, dental and optometric service corpora- tions, healthcare services organizations and fraternal benefit societies. Arkansas Ark. Code Ann. §§ 23-86-114 to 23-86-116 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment; death of employee; change in marital status. Length of coverage for employee : 120 days. Length of coverage for dependents: 120 days. Time employee has to apply : 10 days. Special benefits: Excludes: dental care; prescription drugs; vision services. California Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 1373.6, 1373.621; Cal. Ins. Code §§ 10128.50 to 10128.59 Employers affected: Employers with 2 to 19 employees. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment; reduction in hours. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months; 29 months if disabled at termination or during first 60 days of continua- tion coverage. (Employee also has choice of converting to an individual insurance plan.) Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months; 29 months if disabled at termination or during first 60 days of continu- ation coverage; 36 months upon death of employee, divorce or legal separation, loss of dependent status, employee’s eligibility for Medicare. (Dependents also have choice of converting to an individual insurance plan.) Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : 15 days. Time employee has to apply : 31 days after group plan ends; 30 days after COBRA or Cal-COBRA ends (63 days if converting to an individual plan). Special benefits : Includes vision and dental benefits (if the employer offers them). Special situations : Employee who is 60 or older and has worked for employer for previous 5 years may continue benefits for self and spouse beyond COBRA or Cal-COBRA limits (also applies to COBRA employers). Beginning 9/1/03, any employee who began receiving COBRA coverage on or after 1/1/03 and whose coverage is for less than 36 months, is entitled to additional continuation coverage to total 36 months. Colorado Colo. Rev. Stat. § 10-16-108 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. (If eligible due to reduction in hours, State Health Insurance Continuation Laws ENDING EMPLOYMENT 21/19 must have been continuously insured for previous 6 months.) Qualifying event : Termination of employment; reduction in hours; death of employee; change in marital status. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 18 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Within 10 days of termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply : 31 days after termination of coverage. Special benefits : Excludes: specific diseases; accidental injuries. Connecticut Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 38a-538, 38a-554; § 31-51o Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Layoff; reduction in hours; termination of employment; death of employee; change in marital status. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months; 36 months in case of employee’s death or divorce. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : 14 days. Time employee has to apply : 60 days. Special benefits: Excludes: specific diseases; accidental injuries. Special situations : When facility closes or relocates, employer must pay for insurance for employee and dependents for 120 days or until employee is eligible for other group cov- erage, whichever comes first. (Does not affect employee’s right to regular continuation coverage which begins when 120-day period ends.) District of Columbia D.C. Code Ann. §§ 32-731 to 32-732 Employers affected: Employers with fewer than 20 employees. Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event : Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : 3 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 3 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights: Within 15 days of termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply: 45 days after termination of coverage. Special benefits : Excludes: dental or vision only insurance. Florida Fla. Stat. Ann. § 627.6692 Employers affected : Employers with fewer than 20 employees. Eligible employees : Full-time (25 or more hours per week) employees covered by employer’s health insurance plan. Qualifying event : Layoff; reduction in hours; termination of employment; death of employee; change in marital status. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Carrier notifies employee within 14 days of learning of qualifying event (employer is responsible for notifying carrier). Time employee has to apply : 30 days from receipt of carrier’s notice. Georgia Ga. Code Ann. §§ 33-24-21.1 to 33-24-21.2 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 6 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment (except for cause). Length of coverage for employee : 3 months plus any part of the month remaining at termination. Length of coverage for dependents : 3 months plus any part of the month remaining at termination. Special situations : Employee, spouse or former spouse, who is 60 or older and who has been covered for previous 6 months may continue coverage until eligible for Medicare. (Applies to companies with more than 20 employees; does not apply when employee quits for reasons other than health.) Hawaii Haw. Rev. Stat. § 393-15 Employers affected: All employers required to offer health insurance (those paying a regular employee a monthly State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) 21/20 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK wage at least 86.67 times the state hourly minimum wage—about $542). Qualifying event: Employee is hospitalized or prevented by sickness from working. Length of coverage for employee: Employer must pay insurance premiums for 3 months or for as long employer continues to pay employee’s wages, whichever is longer. Illinois 215 Ill. Comp. Stat. §§ 5/367e, 5/367.2 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee : 9 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 9 months. Time employee has to apply : 10 days after termination or receiving notice from employer, whichever is later, but not more than 60 days from termination. Special benefits : Excludes: dental care; prescription drugs; vision services; disability income; specified diseases. Special situations : Upon death or divorce, 2 years cover- age for spouse under 55; until eligible for Medicare or other group coverage for spouse over 55. Indiana Ind. Code Ann. § 27-8-15-31.1 Employers affected: Employers with 2 to 50 employees. Eligible employees : Employed by same employer for at least one year and continuously insured for previous 90 days. Qualifying event : Termination of employment; reduction in hours; dissolution of marriage; loss of dependent status. Length of coverage for employee : 12 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 12 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : 10 days after employee becomes eligible for con- tinuation coverage. Time employee has to apply : Must apply directly to insurer within 30 days after becoming eligible for continuation coverage. Iowa Iowa Code §§ 509B.3 to 509B.5 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : 9 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 9 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : 10 days after termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply : 10 days after termination of coverage or receiving notice of continuation rights from employer, whichever is later, but no more than 31 days from termination of coverage. Special benefits : Excludes: dental care; prescription drugs; vision services. Kansas Kan. Stat. Ann. § 40-2209(i) Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : 6 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 6 months. Time employee has to apply : 31 days from termination of coverage. Kentucky Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 304.18-110 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 18 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Employer must notify insurer as soon as employee’s coverage ends; insurer then notifies employee. State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) ENDING EMPLOYMENT 21/21 Time employee has to apply: 31 days from receipt of insurer’s notice. Special benefits : Excludes: specific diseases; accidental injury. Louisiana La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 22:215.7, 22:215.13 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee: 12 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 12 months. Time employee has to apply: Must apply and submit pay- ment before group coverage ends. Special benefits : Excludes: dental care; vision care; specific diseases; accidental injury. Special situations : Surviving spouse who is 50 or older may have coverage until remarriage or eligibility for Medicare or other insurance. Maine Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 24-A, § 2809-A Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee : One year (either group or individual coverage at discretion of insurer). Length of coverage for dependents : One year (either group or individual coverage at discretion of insurer). Upon death of insured, continuation only if original plan provided for coverage. Time employee has to apply : 90 days from termination of group coverage. Special situations : Temporary layoff or work-related injury or disease: Employee and dependents entitled to one year group or individual continuation coverage. (Must have been continuously insured for previous 6 months; must apply within 31 days.) Maryland Md. Code Ann., [Ins.] §§ 15-407 to 15-410 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Involuntary termination of employment; death of employee; change in marital status. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 18 months upon death of employee; upon change in marital status, 18 months or until spouse remarries or becomes eligible for other cover- age. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Must notify insurer within 14 days of receiving employee’s request. Time employee has to apply: 45 days from termination of coverage. Employee begins application process by request- ing an election of continuation notification form from employer. Massachusetts Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 175, §§ 110G, 110I; ch. 176J, § 9 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance.; special rules for employers with Small Group Health Insurance (2 to 19 employees). Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event : Involuntary layoff; death of insured employee. For Small Group Health Insurance employer add: reduction in hours; divorce or legal separation; loss of dependent status; employee’s eligibility for Medicare; employer’s bankruptcy. Length of coverage for employee: 39 weeks (but may not exceed time covered under original coverage). Small Group Health Insurance employer: 18 months. (29 months if disabled.) Length of coverage for dependents: 39 weeks. (Divorced or separated spouse entitled to benefits only if included in judgment decree.) Small Group Health Insurance employer: 18 months upon termination or reduction in hours; 29 months if disabled; 36 months on divorce, death of employee, employee’s eligibility for Medicare, employer’s bankruptcy. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : When employee becomes eligible for continuation benefits. Time employee has to apply: 30 days. Small Group Health Insurance employer, 60 days. State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) 21/22 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK Special situations: Termination due to plant closing: 90 days coverage for employee and dependents, at the same payment terms as before closing. Michigan Mich. Comp. Laws § 500.3612 Employers affected: All employers offering group health and disability insurance. Eligible employees: Employees continuously insured for 3 months. Qualifying event: Termination of group coverage for any reason except discharge for gross misconduct. Length of coverage for employee: Eligible employee and dependents may convert to an individual policy without evidence of insurability or regard for preexisting condition. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights: Within 14 days of termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply: No later than 30 days from termination of coverage. Minnesota Minn. Stat. Ann. § 62A.17 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event : Termination of employment; reduction in hours. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 18 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Within 10 days of termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply : 60 days from termination of coverage or receipt of employer’s notice, whichever is later. Mississippi Miss. Code Ann. § 83-9-51 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment; divorce; employee’s death; employee’s eligibility for Medicare; loss of dependent status. Length of coverage for employee : 12 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 12 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights: Insurer must notify former or deceased employee’s dependent child or divorced spouse of option to continue insurance within 14 days of their becoming ineligible for coverage on employee’s policy. Time employee has to apply: Employee must apply and submit payment before group coverage ends; dependents or former spouse must elect continuation coverage within 30 days of receiving insurer’s notice. Special benefits : Excludes: dental and vision care; any benefits other than hospital, surgical or major medical. Missouri Mo. Rev. Stat. § 376.428 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee: 9 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 9 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : No later than date group coverage would end. Time employee has to apply: 31 days from date group coverage would end. Special benefits : Excludes: dental and vision care; any benefits other than hospital, surgical or major medical. Must include: maternity benefits if they were provided under group policy. Montana Mont. Code Ann. §§ 33-22-506 to 33-22-510 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Reduction in hours. Length of coverage for employee: One year. Upon reduc- tion in hours (with employer’s consent). Length of coverage for dependents : One year. Upon reduction in hours (with employer’s consent). Time employee has to apply : 31 days from date group coverage would end. State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) ENDING EMPLOYMENT 21/23 Special situations: Insurer may not discontinue benefits to child with disabilities after child exceeds age limit for dependent status. Nebraska Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 44-1640 and following, 44-7406 Employers affected : Employers not subject to federal COBRA laws. Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event: Involuntary termination of employment (layoff due to labor dispute not considered involuntary). Length of coverage for employee : 6 months. Length of coverage for dependents: One year upon death of insured employee. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Within 10 days of termination of employment must send notice by certified mail. Time employee has to apply : 10 days from receipt of employer’s notice. Special situations : Subjects of domestic abuse, who have lost coverage under abuser’s plan and who do not qualify for COBRA, may have 18 months coverage (applies to all employers). Nevada Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 689B.245 and following; 689B.0345 Employers affected : Employers with less than 20 employees. Eligible employees: Employees continuously insured for previous 12 months. Qualifying event : Involuntary termination of employment; involuntary reduction in hours; death of employee; divorce or legal separation; loss of dependent status; employee’s eligibility for Medicare. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 36 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : 14 days after receiving notice of employee’s eligibility. Time employee has to apply: Must notify employer within 60 days of becoming eligible for continuation coverage; must apply within 60 days after receiving employer’s notice. Special situations : Leave without pay due to disability: 12 months for employee and dependents (applies to all employers). New Hampshire N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 415:18(VIIg), (VII-a) Employers affected : Employers with 2 to 19 employees. Eligible employees: All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event : Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months; 29 months if disabled at termination or during first 60 days of continua- tion coverage. Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months; 29 months if disabled at termination or during first 60 days of continu- ation coverage; 36 months upon death of employee, divorce or legal separation, loss of dependent status, employee’s eligibility for Medicare. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Within 15 days of termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply : Within 31 days of termination of coverage. Special benefits : Includes dental insurance. Special situations : Layoff or termination due to strike: 6 months coverage with option to extend for an additional 12 months. Surviving, divorced or legally separated spouse who is 55 or older may continue benefits until eligible for Medicare or other employer-based group insurance. New Jersey N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 17B:27-30, 17B:27-51.12, 17B:27A-27 Employers affected: Employers with 2 to 50 employees. Eligible employees : Employed full-time (25 or more hours). Qualifying event: Termination of employment; reduction in hours. Length of coverage for employee : 12 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 180 days upon death of employee (applies to all employers). Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : At time of qualifying event employer or carrier notifies employee. Time employee has to apply : Within 30 days of qualifying event. Special benefits : Coverage must be identical to that offered to current employees. Special situations : Total disability: Employee who has been insured for previous 3 months and employee’s dependents State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) 21/24 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK entitled to continuation coverage that includes all benefits offered by group policy (applies to all employers). New Mexico N.M. Stat. Ann. § 59A-18-16 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee: 6 months. Length of coverage for dependents : May continue group coverage or convert to individual policy upon death of employee, divorce or legal separation Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Must give written notice at time of termination. Time employee has to apply : 30 days after receiving employer’s or insurer’s notice. New York N.Y. Ins. Law §§ 3221(f), 3221(m) Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event: Termination of employment; death of employee; divorce or legal separation; loss of dependent status; employee’s eligibility for Medicare. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months; 29 months if disabled at termination or during first 60 days of continuation coverage. Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months; 29 months if disabled at termination or during first 60 days of continu- ation coverage; 36 months upon death of employee, divorce or legal separation, loss of dependent status, employee’s eligibility for Medicare. Time employee has to apply : 60 days after termination or receipt of notice, whichever is later. Special situations : Employee who has been insured for previous 3 months and dependents may convert to an individual plan instead of group continuation (must apply within 45 days of termination). Employee who is 60 or older and has been continuously insured for at least 2 years is entitled to a converted policy with set maximum premium limits. North Carolina N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 58-53-5 to 58-53-40 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee: 18 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Employer has option of notifying employee as part of the exit process. Time employee has to apply : 60 days. Special benefits : Excludes: dental care; prescription drugs; vision care; any benefits other than hospital, surgical or major medical. North Dakota N.D. Cent. Code §§ 26.1-36-23, 26.1-36-23.1 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee : 39 weeks Length of coverage for dependents: 39 weeks. 36 months if required by divorce or annulment decree. Time employee has to apply : Within 10 days of termination or of receiving notice of continuation rights, whichever is later, but no more than 31 days from termination. Special benefits : Excludes: dental care; prescription drugs; vision care; any benefits other than hospital, surgical or major medical. Ohio Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §§ 3923.38; 1751.53 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months who are entitled to unemployment benefits. Qualifying event : Involuntary termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee: 6 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 6 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : At termination of employment. State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) ENDING EMPLOYMENT 21/25 Time employee has to apply: Whichever is earlier: 31 days after coverage terminates; 10 days after coverage terminates if employer notified employee of continuation rights prior to termination; 10 days after employer notified employee of continuation rights, if notice was given after coverage terminated. Special benefits : Excludes: dental care; prescription drugs; vision care; any benefits other than hospital, surgical or major medical. Oklahoma Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 36, § 4509 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Insured for at least 6 months. (All other employees and their dependents entitled to 30 days con- tinuation coverage.) Qualifying event : Any reason coverage terminates. Length of coverage for employee: 3 months for basic coverage, 6 months for major medical at the same premium rate prior to termination of coverage. Length of coverage for dependents : 3 months for basic coverage, 6 months for major medical at the same premium rate prior to termination of coverage. Special benefits : Includes maternity care. Oregon Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 743.600 to 743.610 Employers affected : Employers not subject to federal COBRA laws. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee : 6 months. Length of coverage for dependents: 6 months. Time employee has to apply : 10 days after termination or receiving notice of continuation rights, whichever is later, but not more than 31 days. Special benefits : Excludes: dental care; prescription drugs; vision care; any benefits other than hospital, surgical or major medical. Special situations : Surviving, divorced or legally separated spouse who is 55 or older and dependent children entitled to continuation benefits until spouse remarries or is eligible for other coverage. Must include dental, vision or prescrip- tion drug benefits if they were offered in original plan (applies to employers with 20 or more employees). Pennsylvania 40 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 756.2(d) No laws for continuation insurance. Employees who have been continuously insured for the previous 3 months may convert to an individual policy. Rhode Island R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 27-19.1-1, 27-20.4-1 to 27.20.4-2 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event: Involuntary termination of employment; death of employee; change in marital status; permanent reduction in workforce; employer’s going out of business. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months (but not longer than continuous employment). Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months (but not longer than continuous employment). Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : Employers must post a conspicuous notice of employee continuation rights. Time employee has to apply : 30 days from termination of coverage. Special situations: If right to receive continuing health insurance is stated in the divorce judgment, divorced spouse has right to continue coverage as long as employee remains covered or until divorced spouse remarries or becomes eligible for other group insurance. If covered employee remarries, divorced spouse must be given right to purchase an individual policy from same insurer. South Carolina S.C. Code Ann. § 38-71-770 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 6 months. Qualifying event : Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : 6 months (in addition to part of month remaining at termination). Length of coverage for dependents : 6 months (in addition to part of month remaining at termination). State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) 21/26 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : At time of termination must clearly and meaning- fully advise employee of continuation rights. Special benefits : Excludes: accidental injury; specific diseases. South Dakota S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 58-18-7.5, 58-18-7.12; 58-18C-1 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 6 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment; death of employee; divorce or legal separation; loss of dependent status; employee’s eligibility for Medicare. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months; 29 months if disabled at termination or during first 60 days of continua- tion coverage. Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months; 29 months if disabled at termination or during first 60 days of continu- ation coverage; 36 months upon death of employee, divorce or legal separation, loss of dependent status, employee’s eligibility for Medicare. Special situations : When employer goes out of business: 12 months continuation coverage available to all employees. Employer must notify employees within 10 days of termi- nation of benefits; employees must apply within 60 days of receipt of employer’s notice or within 90 days of termination of benefits if no notice given. Tennessee Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-7-2312 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment; death of employee; change in marital status. Length of coverage for employee : 3 months (in addition to part of month remaining at termination). Length of coverage for dependents : 3 months (in addition to part of month remaining at termination); 15 months upon death of employee or divorce. Special situations : Employee or dependent who is pregnant at time of termination entitled to continuation benefits for 6 months following the end of pregnancy. Texas Tex. Ins. Code Ann. §§ 3.51-6(d3), 3.51-8 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment (except for cause); employee leaves for health reasons. Length of coverage for employee : 6 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 6 months. Time employee has to apply : 31 days from termination of coverage or receiving notice of continuation rights from employer or insurer, whichever is later. Special situations : Layoff due to a labor dispute: employee entitled to continuation benefits for duration of dispute, but no longer than 6 months. Utah Utah Code Ann. §§ 31A-22-703, 31A-22-714 Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 6 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee: 6 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 6 months. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : In writing within 30 days of termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply: Within 30 days of receiving employer’s notice of continuation rights. Special benefits : Excludes: accidental injury; catastrophic benefits; dental care; specific diseases. Vermont Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 8, §§ 4090a to 4090c Employers affected: All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment; death of employee; change of marital status; loss of dependent status. Length of coverage for employee : 6 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 6 months. State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) ENDING EMPLOYMENT 21/27 Time employee has to apply: Within 60 days (upon death of employee or group member), or within 30 days (upon termination of employment, change of marital status or loss of dependent status) of the date that group coverage terminates, or the date of being notified of continuation rights, whichever is sooner. Virginia Va. Code Ann. §§ 38.2-3541 to 38.2-3542; 38.2-3416 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : 90 days. Length of coverage for dependents : 90 days. Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : 15 days from termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply: Must apply for continuation and pay entire 90-day premium before termination of coverage. Special situations : Employee may convert to an individual policy instead of group continuation coverage (must apply within 31 days of termination of coverage). Washington Wash. Rev. Code Ann. §§ 48.21.250, 48.21.075 Employers affected : Optional for all employers who offer group health insurance (except during strike). Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event: Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : Term and rate of cover- age agreed upon by employer and employee. Length of coverage for dependents : Term and rate of coverage agreed upon by employer and employee. Special situations : Layoff or termination due to strike: 6 months coverage with employee paying premiums (manda- tory for all employers). In other situations: if optional con- tinuation benefits are not offered, employee may convert to an individual policy (must apply within 31 days of termination of group coverage). West Virginia W.Va. Code §§ 33-16-2, 33-16-3(e) Employers affected : Employers providing insurance for at least 10 employees. Eligible employees : All insured employees are eligible. Qualifying event: Involuntary layoff. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months. Wisconsin Wis. Stat. Ann. § 632.897 Employers affected : All employers who offer group health insurance. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Any reason employee or dependent becomes ineligible for coverage. Length of coverage for employee : 18 months (or longer at insurer’s option). Length of coverage for dependents : 18 months (or longer at insurer’s option). Time employer has to notify employee of continuation rights : 5 days from termination of coverage. Time employee has to apply : 30 days after receiving employer’s notice. Wyoming Wyo. Stat. § 26-19-113 Employers affected : Employers not subject to federal COBRA laws. Eligible employees : Employees continuously insured for previous 3 months. Qualifying event : Termination of employment. Length of coverage for employee: 12 months. Length of coverage for dependents : 12 months. Time employee has to apply: 31 days from termination of coverage. Special benefits : If dental, vision care or any benefits other than hospital, surgical or major medical were included in the group policy, they may be continued at employee or dependent’s request. Current as of February 2003 ■ State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) [...]... menu A/ 2 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK A Installing the Handbook Section Files Onto Your Computer A/ 3 B Using the Handbook Section Files to Create an Employee Handbook A/ 4 C Files Included on the Employee Handbook CD A/ 8 APPENDIX A: HOW TO USE THE CD-ROM A Installing the Handbook Section Files Onto Your Computer Handbook section files that you can open, complete, print and save with your. .. to high standards of excellence and quality We value each one of our employees, and we hope that you find your work here rewarding and satisfying This section introduces you to our Company’s history, purpose and goals Please read it carefully so that you can better understand who we are and what we do We think we are a special place—made all the more so by the hard work and dedication of our employees... them—with a smile We know that only happy and relaxed employees can give the quality and good-natured service that our customers demand So take all of the breaks you are scheduled for, alert your manager to any problems in your work area and communicate any ideas you might have for making this a better place to work At J&J Books, we want our employees to put the customer first That’s why we, in management,... information about this Company and your employment posted on the bulletin board located in the employee break room This is also the place where we post important information regarding your legal rights, including information about equal employment opportunity laws and wage and hour laws We expect all employees to periodically read the information on the bulletin board B/3 B/4 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK. .. year, abnormal workload or emergency Individuals whom we hire for such work are temporary employees They are not eligible to participate in any of our company benefit programs, nor can they earn or accrue any leave, such as vacation leave or sick leave Of course, we will provide to temporary employees any and all benefits mandated by law Temporary employees cannot change from temporary status to any... the handbook section by filling in the required information; (3) rename and save your revised handbook section file; (4) assemble your employee handbook by pasting your completed handbook sections into the Employee Handbook Outline; and (5) print it out The following are general instructions on how to do this However, each word processor uses different commands to open, format, save and print documents... Company will grant your request 6:3 Meal and Rest Breaks Employees are allowed a 15-minute break every four hours These breaks will be paid In addition, all employees who work at least eight hours in a day are entitled to take a 30-minute meal break Meal breaks are generally unpaid However, employees who are required to work or remain at their stations during the meal break will be paid for that time 6:4... related by blood more closely than would be allowed under the marriage laws of this state 6 They must complete and sign a Domestic Partnership Affidavit APPENDIX B: MODEL HANDBOOK 8:3 Healthcare Benefits Because your health is of great importance to us, we provide you with the following healthcare benefits: medical, dental, vision and alternative (including acupuncture and massage) If you have not already... not want to include, then delete the italicized instructions Step 3: Saving Your Handbook Section Files After filling in a particular handbook section, use the “Save As” command to save and rename the file (This is an intermediate step; later we’ll help you combine the handbook section files into a single document.) Because all the files are “read-only,” you will not be able to use the “Save” command... week are full-time employees APPENDIX B: MODEL HANDBOOK 5:3 Exempt and Non-exempt Employees Your entitlement to earn overtime pay depends on whether you are classified as an exempt or a non-exempt employee Exempt employees are those who do not earn overtime because they are exempt from the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and applicable state laws Non-exempt employees are . Print command in the File menu. A/ 2 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK A. Installing the Handbook Section Files Onto Your Computer A/ 3 B. Using the Handbook Section Files to Create an Employee Handbook. 21/18 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK Note: The states of Alaska, Delaware and Idaho are not included in this chart because they do not have laws specifically controlling health insurance continuation offer health insurance (those paying a regular employee a monthly State Health Insurance Continuation Laws (continued) 21/20 CREATE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK wage at least 86.67 times the state