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Health Care Continuation (COBRA): South Dakota

Health Care Continuation (COBRA) requirements for other states

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Francis P. Morley

Summary

  • South Dakota group health policies, issued to employers with fewer than 20 employees, generally must include continuation coverage. See South Dakota Continuation Coverage Law.
  • Similar to federal COBRA, South Dakota's continuation coverage generally lasts for up to 18, 29 or 36 months depending on the circumstances. See South Dakota Continuation Coverage Law.
  • Under certain circumstances, individuals may be eligible for a conversion policy without evidence of insurability, after continuation coverage ends. See Conversion.
  • South Dakota law has special provisions requiring that group policies generally must provide continuation coverage for up to 12 months after coverage terminates due to certain actions by an employer. This applies to all group policies in South Dakota that provide benefits for hospital or medical expenses. See Special Provisions.