Colorado's continuation requirements for terminated employees cover all group accident and sickness policies, except self-insured plans, regardless of the size of the employer. Continuation also applies to group policies providing coverage of hospital, medical-surgical, or other health services provided by a nonprofit health insurance company (typically Blue Cross/Blue Shield companies) and by health maintenance organizations (HMOs). The continuation requirements do not apply to policies that provide benefits for specific diseases or for accidental injuries only.
Every covered employee whose employment is terminated, if the policy remains in force for active employees of the employer, must be allowed to elect to continue that coverage for himself or herself and his or her dependents. An employee is eligible to elect continuation for himself or herself and for his or her dependents if:
• The employee's eligibility to receive insurance coverage has ended for any reason other than discontinuance of the group policy in its entirety or for an insured class;
• Any premium or contribution required from or on behalf of the employee has been paid to the ...