Florida Continuation — Mini-COBRA (F.S. 627.6692)

The Florida Health Insurance Coverage Continuation Act extends group coverage to employees of small employers (fewer than 20 employees) and their dependents — the workers federal COBRA misses. Qualified beneficiaries (covered the day before the event): the covered employee (unless fired for gross misconduct), the spouse, or a dependent child. Qualifying events: death of the employee; termination or reduction of hours; divorce or legal separation; a child aging out of dependent status. Election requires no evidence of insurability. Clockwork: beneficiary gives the INSURER written notice within 63 days of the event → insurer sends an election and premium notice by certified mail within 14 days → beneficiary elects in writing and pays the initial premium within 30 days of the notice; coverage and premium are retroactive to the termination date. Billing is monthly (due the 1st) with a 30-day grace period; the premium may not exceed 115% of the group rate. Duration (verified against the statute): a maximum of eighteen (18) months, running from the date group coverage would otherwise have ceased because of the qualifying event; a beneficiary the SSA determines disabled may continue 11 additional months (29 months total) by delivering the written SSA determination within 60 days of the determination date and before the 18-month period ends — the insurer may charge up to 150% during the extension. Coverage also ends on nonpayment, on gaining other group coverage without preexisting limitations, on entitlement to Medicare Part A or B, or when the employer terminates the plan for everyone.

Florida's homemade COBRA for shops too small for the federal one. In Florida, the INSURER — not the employer — runs the paperwork.