Coverage line

An open hand links a group of ordinary working people to a stethoscope.Illustration for The General Average

Employee Health Benefits in North Dakota

North Dakota’s group continuation provision generally lasts 39 weeks for an eligible employee, requires advance monthly payment, and caps the charge at the group rate. The written request and first payment must meet a 31-day outer limit, while the statute’s election request clock can be only 10 days after notice.

What Is Employee Health Benefits?

Employer health benefits give eligible staff access to medical care through a group plan or another employer arrangement. When setting a budget or renewing, compare eligibility, provider networks, employee contributions and total cost. Read the national Employee health and benefits guide.

What to Watch for With Employee Health Benefits in North Dakota

Use the later-of notice clock and 31-day outside date
A written continuation request is due within 10 days after the later of termination or notice of the right, but the election cannot be made later than 31 days after termination. Give employees the notice immediately and track both dates. ¹
Do not promise dental or vision continuation
North Dakota’s continuation statute requires hospital, surgical, and major-medical coverage but says continuation need not include dental, vision, or supplemental benefits. Ask which lines remain on the same group policy and which end. ¹
Confirm the state or federal track
The Insurance Department says employers with fewer than 20 employees generally use North Dakota state continuation, while larger employers generally fall under federal COBRA. Have the administrator classify the plan before sending forms. ^2,¹

Providers With North Dakota License Records

No provider in our research documents both a state license record and this coverage line. This does not establish that providers are unlicensed. Check the regulator’s license lookup and confirm availability with a provider when requesting a quote.

Who Regulates Insurance in North Dakota?

North Dakota Insurance Department

The North Dakota Insurance Department regulates insurers and producers, provides licensing and company searches, and investigates insurance complaints to assess compliance with state law and policy terms. ^3,^4,⁵

Website: Regulator website
License lookup: Search licensed producers
Complaints: File a complaint
Phone: 701-328-2440

Surplus-Lines Tax and Stamping Office in North Dakota

Reported tax rate. 1.75% of gross premium, assessments and policy fees, less return premium, when North Dakota is home state ^6,^7,⁸

When North Dakota is the insured’s home state, the 1.75% tax applies to the entire gross premium, assessments, membership and subscriber fees, and policy or service fees on multistate policies, less return premium. North Dakota permits independent procurement only under separate statutory conditions; the policyholder should confirm whether a licensed broker placement or independent procurement applies. Nonadmitted insurers generally do not participate in state guaranty funds.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy Employee Health Benefits in North Dakota

Which North Dakota group-plan rules apply to this employer and funding arrangement?
What dates, notices, premiums, and benefits does the carrier require for a continuation election?
Which employees and dependents are eligible, and how does the plan document confirm that?