Are MEC Plans COBRA Eligible?

MEC plans may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, but it depends on the specific plan and the circumstances under which the employee lost their coverage.

Under COBRA, employees who lose their job or experience a reduction in work hours that results in a loss of health insurance coverage may be eligible to continue their group health coverage for a limited time. The coverage that is offered through COBRA must be the same as the coverage that the employee had while they were employed, including any MEC coverage that was offered.

However, not all MEC plans are subject to COBRA continuation coverage. For example, if the MEC plan was offered as a standalone policy rather than as part of a group health plan, it may not be subject to COBRA.

Additionally, if the employer chooses to terminate the group health plan altogether, including the MEC coverage, then COBRA would not apply to the MEC coverage.

So whether MEC plans are COBRA eligible depends on the specific plan and the circumstances under which the employee lost their coverage. It's important for employers to carefully review their MEC plan documents and consult with legal counsel or a benefits specialist to determine their COBRA eligibility.