I'm originally from Austin, but worked in Houston but the company is shutting down. They told me I do not qualify for the federal cobra plan. Is that because they only a lower number of workers?

Rex

They may not offer you, federal COBRA because your former employers to small, under 20 employees total for over 50% of the previously calendar year. Or because your company is shutting down. They no longer offer group health insurance. So there's no plan to continue. Is the company ceasing their group health insurance?