What it is
Small employers, self-insured plans, and state-regulated plans fall under state continuation law. Some states extend coverage past 18 months, add dental and vision, or set lower premium caps. The federal election window does not automatically apply to a state-only plan.
What to do about it: Ask which law your plan sits under before you elect. The 60-day federal window does not cover state-only plans, and missing a state deadline is usually final for the year.
Plain-language description of US practice, not legal, tax, or financial advice. The paired guide carries the citations, dates, and thresholds; the state pages carry the local windows.