How long can I stay on COBRA in California?
Asked by: Amir Weber | Last update: August 2, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (41 votes)
How long can you stay on COBRA after leaving a job?
While COBRA is temporary, in most circumstances, you can stay on COBRA for 18 to 36 months.
When can COBRA be extended to 36 months in California?
Second Qualifying Event - If you are receiving an 18-month maximum period of continuation coverage, you may become entitled to an 18-month extension (giving a total maximum period of 36 months of continuation coverage) if you experience a second qualifying event that is the death of a covered employee, the divorce or ...
What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?
- COBRA can be expensive, especially compared to the premiums you were paying before your qualifying event. ...
- COBRA does not apply to all employer-sponsored health plans—in particular, those organizations with fewer than 20 employees may have no requirements. ...
- Even if you get an extension, COBRA is only temporary.
What are the rules for COBRA coverage?
- Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA.
- A qualifying event must occur.
- You must be a qualified beneficiary for that event.
How Long Can I Stay On Cobra Health Insurance in California
What is the 60 day loophole for cobras?
What is the COBRA Loophole 60 Days? The Cobra Loophole 60 Days allows you to defer your decision about COBRA insurance until the very last day of the 60-day period. This gives you a window of time where you don't need to pay any premiums, yet you're still covered if an emergency occurs.
How does COBRA work in California?
COBRA and Cal-COBRA
COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. 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 much does COBRA cost for one month?
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.
What is the largest disadvantage of COBRA?
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.
Is COBRA ever worth it?
“If you're close to meeting your deductible on your current insurance plan and you have high health care costs, it may be worth it to temporarily stay on your COBRA plan,” explains Donovan. The same holds true if you're far into your employer plan's year and have already met your deductible.
Can COBRA go beyond 18 months?
California Insurance Code (CIC) Section 10128.59 provides extension under Cal-COBRA for those who have exhausted their 18 months on federal COBRA (or longer in special circumstances) for a total extension that cannot exceed 36 months.
What's 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.
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.
How do you keep a COBRA for 36 months?
You can stay on COBRA for 18 or 36 Months
COBRA coverage generally lasts 18 months for the employee. However, dependents on the plan, such as a spouse or children, can be eligible for up to 36 months of coverage under certain circumstances, like divorce or the death of the covered employee.
Does health insurance end the day you quit?
When does health insurance expire after leaving a job in California? Your health insurance may expire the day you leave your job, or at the end of that month. For instance, if you quit on January 10th, you may have coverage through January 31st. You'll need to find out what your employer's policy is.
Who sends Cal COBRA notice?
When employees or dependents experience a qualifying event, employers must provide an election notice within 14 days of the notice of the qualifying event, notifying them of their eligibility to enroll in Cal-COBRA coverage, the terms and amount of the premium payment, and the beginning and ending dates of coverage.
What percentage of people take COBRA?
Roughly 15 percent of UI beneficiaries received health insurance coverage via COBRA. Taking into account the main eligibility requirements for the ARRA subsidy, we estimate that between a quarter and a third of eligible unemployed workers enrolled in subsidized COBRA for continuing health insurance.
Can I get COBRA if I quit?
Whether you quit, get fired or are laid off, you may be able to choose your former employer's health plan under a federal law called COBRA. That stands for Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act. It's available if: You were enrolled in an employer-sponsored medical, dental or vision plan.
What are the downsides of Cobra insurance?
Cons of COBRA Health Insurance
Some of the most notable ones include the large cost of insurance when fully paid for by the employee, the brief COBRA coverage period, and the employee relying on the employer.
How much is COBRA in CA?
The average monthly cost of COBRA Insurance premiums ranges from $400 to $700 per individual.
Are there alternatives to COBRA?
Instead of enrolling in COBRA continuation coverage, there may be other more affordable coverage options for you and your family through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or other group health plan coverage (such as a spouse's plan) through what is called a “special enrollment period.” Some of these options ...
How do I calculate my COBRA payment?
If you want to figure this out on your own, ask HR how much your employer is contributing toward your monthly coverage. Then, check your pay stub to see how much you're contributing. After adding these figures, add another 2% (for the service fee). This will show you exactly how much you'll expect to pay for COBRA.
How long can you keep COBRA in California?
Individuals who are employed by California employers at the time they become eligible for COBRA continuation coverage and whose COBRA coverage would otherwise end in 18 months may, under Cal-COBRA, continue their coverage with the same group carrier or HMO for up to a total of 36 months.
Can I be denied COBRA benefits?
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.
What is the COBRA loophole for 60 days?
Once your employment ends, you have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage with your former employer. Some people all this the “60 day loophole for COBRA.” COBRA is retroactive, which means that it begins the day after your employer coverage ends.