Insurance companies selling small group health plans to employers must offer the employer the option to include a continuation provision in the plan policy. 

How a continuation plan works

  • The insurer and employer decide how long the plan covers you and what your premiums will cost.
  • If you divorce the main person on the plan or they die, the health plan must let you continue coverage. You don't need to show proof that you're insurable.
  • After the continuation plan ends, you can buy an individual health plan.
  • Contact your employer to see if they offer a continuation plan.

What you need to know before buying a continuation plan

If you lose your small group plan, you qualify for a special enrollment period. This means you can sign up for a health plan outside the annual open enrollment period. After losing your plan, you have 60 days to buy a new one. You can buy a plan through the Washington Healthplanfinder or through an agent or insurance company. If you don't buy a plan during your special enrollment period, you'll have to wait until the next open enrollment period, which starts on Nov. 1.

Related topics

Learn how health insurance works

Health insurance helps pay your medical bills when you seek care. Knowing what your options are can help save you time, money and frustration.

Individuals & families

If you don’t have health insurance through an employer, you can buy an individual health plan during the annual open enrollment period.

Small business owners

If you have a small business (1-50 employees), you're not required to offer your employees health insurance. If you choose to offer it, you might qualify for tax credits.