Support HB 389, Create a mini-COBRA law for small employer health insurance plans
Raise your voice for a better Montana by testifying on this bill. Write out your comments in advance, then follow the link to sign up to testify or submit written comment
What: HB 389, Create a mini-COBRA law for small employer health insurance plans
Position: SUPPORT
When: Thursday, February 9th @ 8:30 AM
Where: Business and Labor Committee – Room 172 – Sign up to testify or submit written testimony
Talking Points:
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COBRA on the Federal level is incredibly popular: it ensures that workers who lose their job have the ability to continue their health coverage if they choose to pay for it.
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However it only applies to businesses with more than 20 employees; it does not apply to small businesses or Montanans who work at small businesses.
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HB 389 gives small businesses the option to offer COBRA to their employees, giving more Montanans security in their health coverage if their hours are reduced, or if they experience a transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events.
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Employees pay for the health coverage extension and there is no cost to the state
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There is no burden on the employer: HB 389 does not require employers to offer a health benefit plan, and it does not adversely affect a small business’s health insurance premium.
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It’s an optional benefit that Montana’s small businesses could choose to offer their employees to improve their ability to recruit and retain good workers.
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This is common sense – 44 other states have already passed laws like this.
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Send Your Legislator a Message: https://leg.mt.gov/web-messaging/
Public Testimony: https://leg.mt.gov/public-testimony/
