How do I contact Cal COBRA?
Asked by: Dr. Drake Sanford | Last update: August 12, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (53 votes)
What is the phone number for Cal-COBRA?
You will then have 45 days from your election date to pay the premium for the initial coverage period (from your insurance termination date through the time of your payment). If you have billing questions, please contact the CalCOBRA State Continuation Unit at 1-888-318-2346 or send an email to CCEBU@aetna.com.
What is the difference between COBRA and cal-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.
Who manages Cal-COBRA?
All employers are responsible for administering their own federal COBRA program. Blue Shield administers Cal-COBRA when an employer is subject to it under state law. Groups have the option to self-administer their federal COBRA benefits.
How do I contact basic COBRA?
For more information about any of our services or to speak with a sales consultant call 800.444. 1922 x 3 or visit basiconline.com.
Cal COBRA 18 months of coverage for CA after Federal Cobra Expires
How do I contact COBRA?
Call 1-866-444-3272. You may qualify to keep your health coverage with COBRA. Call today.
How do I ask for COBRA insurance?
Applying for COBRA begins with the employer who provided the health plan to notify you of your right to continuation. The employer has 30 days to notify the group health plan of the qualifying event. After that, the employer has 14 days to notify you of your COBRA right to keep your work health insurance.
Who sends Cal-COBRA paperwork?
Cal-COBRA administration may be handled by either the employer or a third-party administrator, but as the legal obligation still falls to the employer to comply with the law, all employers should make sure these administrative steps are being completed and done so in a timely manner.
Does an employer have to offer Cal-COBRA?
If the group master policy is not issued in California, then the employer must employ 51% or more of its employees in California and have its principal place of business in California for their California employees to take advantage of Cal-COBRA.
How long does a cal-COBRA last?
When Federal COBRA ends, eligible employees can buy 18 months additional health coverage under Cal-COBRA. All qualified beneficiaries are generally eligible for continuation coverage for 36 months after the date the qualified beneficiary's benefits would otherwise have terminated.
Why is COBRA so expensive?
COBRA coverage is not cheap.
Why? Because you're now responsible for paying your portion of your health insurance: The cost your employer contributed to your premium, in addition to the 2% service fee on the cost of your insurance.
How to cancel Cal-COBRA?
To cancel your COBRA plan you will need to notify your previous employer or the plan administrator in writing, requesting to terminate the insurance. The plan administrator is also who you've made your premium payments to.
Does Cal-COBRA apply to dental and vision?
Cal-COBRA applies to medical care plans, but not dental or vision care plans. Cal-COBRA coverage applies only to coverage under an insured plan or HMO, and not under a self-insured plan.
Who pays for COBRA after termination?
COBRA and Cal-COBRA
COBRA allows former employees, retirees, and their dependents to temporarily keep their health coverage. If you get COBRA, you must pay for the entire premium, including any portion that your employer may have paid in the past.
How do I access my COBRA account?
- Enter Username and click Next.
- Enter password and click Sign In.
What is the phone number for Cal COBRA customer service?
1-877-262-7241.
How much should I expect to pay for COBRA?
Based on plan and state, COBRA costs range from about $400 to $700 per month and are based on the following: Your previous monthly insurance contribution. Your recent employer's monthly insurance contribution.
Is COBRA cheaper than marketplace?
Both COBRA and ACA Marketplace plans have their advantages. COBRA lets you keep your exact employer-based plan but is often more expensive. ACA plans may be more affordable, especially with subsidies, but require choosing a new plan. The best choice depends on your financial situation and healthcare needs.
What is the Cal COBRA admin fee?
The cost of COBRA is the same premium charged to the district for the plan that the member was enrolled in prior to losing coverage, plus a 2% administration fee for Federal COBRA and 10% administration fee for State Continuation (CalCOBRA).
Can you email COBRA paperwork?
Only certain letters can be sent via email due to Cobra Federal Regulations. For more information, see What Cobra/Retiree notices are available to be sent via email to member? "Go Green" language will appear on several notices to notify members that they can sign up for paperless communication.
Can I go to the doctor while waiting for a COBRA?
You will be reimbursed for any medical bills that you pay out-of-pocket during this period. Contact the plan administrator for more information on filing a claim for benefits. Complete plan rules are available from the employer's benefits offices.
Does cobra insurance start immediately?
Assuming one pays all required premiums, COBRA coverage starts on the date of the qualifying event, and the length of the period of COBRA coverage will depend on the type of qualifying event which caused the qualified beneficiary to lose group health plan coverage.
Can you be denied COBRA coverage?
Under COBRA, a person who has been terminated for gross misconduct may be denied COBRA. Gross misconduct is not specifically defined by COBRA, but when based on an employer's practice or policy it could include misrepresentation during the hiring process or falsifying information on a Form I-9.
Do I use my old insurance card for COBRA?
Will I be receiving a new insurance card or do I still use my old one? Since COBRA insurance is a continuation of your previous employer's group health policy, you will be able to use the same ID cards. The old card will be re-activated once your employer has received your COBRA payment.