Group underwriting, eligibility, contributory and noncontributory plans, COBRA and coordination of benefits are covered in the national Group Health Insurance guide. This guide covers Ohio's group health rules: the 12-month state continuation right (R.C. 3923.38), blanket insurance, small employers and multiple employer welfare arrangements.

State continuation (R.C. 3923.38)

Group policies must let an eligible employee whose coverage ends continue it for up to 12 months.

• Who's eligible: an employee who was continuously insured for the entire three months before termination, and who didn't quit voluntarily and wasn't fired for gross misconduct (3923.38(A)(2)).
• Cost: the employee pays monthly, no more than the group rate for the coverage continued (3923.38(C)(4)).
• Deadline to elect: the earliest of 31 days after coverage would end, or 10 days after coverage ends or after the employer's notice, depending on when the employer gives notice (3923.38(C)(3)).

Blanket insurance (R.C. 3923.13)

Blanket accident and health insurance covers groups such as common carrier passengers, employees exposed to exceptional hazards, students or teachers, and volunteer fire and first aid groups. No individual application is needed, and the insurer doesn't have to give each person a certificate.

Small employers (R.C. Chapter 3924)

• A small employer had an average of at least 2 but no more than 50 eligible employees in the prior calendar year (R.C. 3924.01).
• Small employer coverage is renewable at the plan sponsor's option, except as federal law (HIPAA) allows (R.C. 3924.03).

Multiple employer welfare arrangements

Stop-loss (excess) insurance for a MEWA reimburses it for benefits paid above a preset deductible or limit (R.C. 1739.01).

Rating

Ohio allows different premium rates, benefits or underwriting for people insured under group, franchise or blanket plans or family policies (R.C. 3923.15).

Common exam traps

• Ohio continuation: 12 months at no more than the group rate.
• Eligibility: three months of prior coverage, and no voluntary quit or gross-misconduct firing.
• Blanket policies: no individual applications or certificates required.
• Small employer: 2 to 50 eligible employees.