A group health plan covers employees in CT, MA, and RI. Which plan aspect is NOT affected by state regulatory jurisdiction?

When considering group health plans, COBRA continuation of coverage is governed by federal law rather than state-specific regulations. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) sets the standards for continuation of health coverage, primarily providing eligible employees and their dependents the right to continue their group health insurance under certain circumstances, even if a qualifying event, such as termination or reduction in hours, occurs.

While states may have their own health insurance regulations that apply to various aspects of group plans, the requirements under COBRA are uniform across the entire country. This means that regardless of whether a group health plan is administered in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or Rhode Island, the COBRA provisions will remain consistent and be governed solely by federal law.

On the other hand, aspects such as qualifications for eligibility, minimum enrollment percentages, and required contract provisions are subject to the varying regulations of each state where the group health plan operates, making these areas influenced by state jurisdiction.