How COBRA Insurance Works In California
California has its own version of COBRA called Cal-COBRA, which is available to employees who work for companies with 19 or fewer employees and who lose their group health coverage due to certain qualifying events. Cal-COBRA differs from federal COBRA in that it provides continuation coverage to employees of small businesses, whereas federal COBRA applies to companies with 20 or more employees.
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COBRA Eligibility
California Allows
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Continuing Health Insurance Coverage In California
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No Pre-Existing Conditions
Term Medical Gap Coverage
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Coverage For
Pre-Existing Conditions
$400 – 700/month per individual
Medicare
Nearing Retirement Age
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California’s Mini-COBRA Law
California’s COBRA insurance law requires certain employers to offer employees who lose their jobs the option to continue their group health insurance coverage under COBRA for a limited period of time. The law applies to employers with 2 or more employees and the employee must have been covered by the employer’s health plan at the time of job loss to be eligible for COBRA coverage.
The employee is responsible for paying the full premium, including the portion that was previously paid by the employer, and may continue coverage for up to 18 months. California’s COBRA insurance law helps to ensure that workers who experience job loss are able to maintain their health insurance coverage and protect their health and financial well-being.
About Cal-COBRA
Additionally, California also has a state-specific continuation coverage program known as Cal-COBRA, which expands COBRA-like coverage to smaller employers and provides additional protections for workers.
Source: California Law (ARTICLE 1.7. California Cobra Program [10128.50 – 10128.59])
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We are a private insurance company that provides information on the COBRA law and alternative temporary insurance options if continuation is unavailable or too expensive.
Health Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions In California
Continuing on your workplace insurance with your COBRA rights is a practical idea if you visit the doctor often or take prescription medications. It’s the same health plan that you have been on. You won’t have to start your deductibles over as the plan picks back up at the date that it stopped.
Marketplace / Obamacare
Sometimes state and federal subsidies help offset the premium for individual marketplace insurance.
A loss of work health insurance is a qualifying event to find new healthcare through the public healthcare exchange.
In 2023, the average ACA health plan premium in California was $411/month per individual, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
You May Qualify For A Subsidy
Apply For COBRA
Employer Has 20+ Employees
As an employee, you may continue your most recent work health insurance for up to 18 months. Family members may access the plan for up to 36 months.
You sign up for COBRA with your former employer or their third party.
The premium will be $400 – 700 / month, per insured person.
California Mini-COBRA
Employer Has Two Or More Employees
In California, all employers are compelled to offer a continuation of worker’s health insurance. The human resources department or their third-party administrator will notify you on how to apply.
Short-Term Health Insurance For Those In Good Health
In California, you are able to bridge your insurance gap using an accident-only major medical plan.
Accident Only Insurance with Telehealth
Pre-existing Conditions Do Not Exclude You From Accident Only Coverage
Plans start at $44/month.
Based on age and state availability
Includes Telehealth giving you access to prescribing doctors for common issues.
Accidents happen, and the last thing you want to worry about is who or how the bills are going to get paid. With this plan, you can focus on getting care. CAM helps you and your family with the high cost of healthcare resulting from injury or accidents.
Limited Indemnity with Telehealth
access to prescribing doctors for common issues.
Core Health Insurance provides guaranteed acceptance Limited Indemnity Medical coverage for your basic medical needs, helping to provide a medical option for people who do not have the luxury of being covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan.
Medicare
After your workplace insurance ends, you’ll sign up for Medicare within 8 months.
In general, you can sign up for Part A and Part B starting three months before your 65th birthday and ending three months after your 65th birthday.
Learn more about Medicare deadlines and how Medicare Advantage plans can replace original Medicare at no cost to you.
COBRA Is Available In All 50 States
Employee continuation of health insurance coverage is not required in all states. When a state lacks laws governing the continuation of work-related medical benefits, the federal COBRA Act protects these rights. Find out more about your state.
Remain Insured
Accident Only plans start at $44*
with coverage starting tomorrow!
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Temporary health insurance is a popular, affordable solution to cover gaps in coverage while you are between Major Medical plans.
*Eligibility for short term medical insurance is based on age and state availability.
