What does COBRA help with?
The
(COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, …
What is California COBRA?
What is Cal-COBRA? Cal-COBRA is a California Law that lets you keep your group health plan when your job ends or your hours are cut. It may also be available to people who have exhausted their Federal COBRA.
Is COBRA worth getting?
COBRA can save you money on out-of-pocket costs. Employer-sponsored health plans may provide broader networks than non-group health plans if you travel out of state or have more than one home.
When would you use COBRA?
COBRA is a convenient option for retaining health insurance if you lose your employer-sponsored benefits, and sometimes it is also the best option. However, the cost is often high and the plan is not always the best one to fit an individual's or a family's needs.
What are the disadvantages of COBRA?
COBRA will be more costly than what you paid for coverage when you were an employee. Employer-sponsored health insurance is often provided at a portion of the actual cost because the employer pays for part of it. The former employer is not required to keep paying this portion of your premium under COBRA.
Who is eligible for COBRA in Washington state?
COBRA applies only to employers who had 20 or more workers in the previous year. State and local governments fall under COBRA, but federal plans and certain religious organizations do not. Federal employees have some similar rights under another law.
Who qualifies for California COBRA?
Group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees on more than 50 percent of their typical business days in the previous calendar year are subject to COBRA. Both full-time and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA.
What is the difference between Cal-COBRA and federal COBRA?
Federal COBRA generally extends health coverage for 18 months. Individuals with certain qualifying events may be eligible for a longer extension (e.g., 29 or 36 months). Cal-COBRA allows individuals to continue their group health coverage for up to 36 months.
Is COBRA and covered California the same?
Cobra is really expensive and you might not be able to change plans. Covered California can be priced much lower and you can change plans. If you qualify for a Covered Ca tax credit, it's hard to justify paying full premium for Cobra. Again, our services as Certified Covered California agents is free to you.
Do employers pay for Cal-COBRA?
For CalCOBRA, you will pay: At least 110% of the premium the employer pays if it is based on the age of covered employees. A maximum of 213% of the group rate the employer pays if it is not based on age (this is the total premium the employer pays divided by the number of employees).