Who sends Cal-COBRA notice?
Asked by: Bart Tillman II | Last update: October 29, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (40 votes)
Who is responsible for sending a COBRA notice?
COBRA Election Notice and Election Form. The HR office is required to provide an election notice and election form to covered employees and their qualified beneficiaries within 14 calendar days of a COBRA qualifying event or when the HR office is notified, whichever comes first.
How long does an employer have to send a COBRA notice in California?
An employer that is subject to COBRA requirements is required to notify its group health plan administrator within 30 days after an employee's employment is terminated, or employment hours are reduced.
Who administers Cal-COBRA in California?
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.
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.
Cal COBRA 18 months of coverage for CA after Federal Cobra Expires
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.
What if my employer never sent me COBRA?
If you are eligible for Federal COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your employer. If you are eligible for Cal-COBRA and did not get a notice, contact your health plan. If you miss the deadline, you may lose the chance to sign up for Federal COBRA or Cal-COBRA. Call the Help Center if you have any questions.
What is a Cal-COBRA notice?
The California Continuation Benefits Replacement Act (Cal-COBRA) specifies the amount a qualified beneficiary can be charged for continuation coverage, how long the continuation coverage can last, and when coverage can be terminated.
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.
Why did I get a COBRA letter in the mail?
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.
What is the COBRA loophole?
If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.
What is the administration fee for Cal COBRA?
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).
What are the requirements for a COBRA notice to terminated employees?
The notice must be given as soon as practicable after the decision is made, and it must include the date coverage will terminate, the reason for termination, and any rights the beneficiary may have under the plan or applicable law to elect alternative group or individual coverage.
Does COBRA come from employer?
Who pays for COBRA coverage? The employee generally pays the full cost of the insurance premiums. In fact, the law allows the employer to charge 102 percent of the premium, and to keep the 2 percent to cover your administrative costs.
Can COBRA notices be sent electronically?
However, because COBRA notices must be provided via first-class mail to the home address where a spouse or dependent is also covered under the plan, the plan administrator must obtain consent from the spouse or dependent before delivering COBRA notices electronically.
What is the penalty for late COBRA notice?
The employer penalties for not complying with the COBRA:
The IRS can charge you $100 tax per day of noncompliance per person or $200 tax per day per family.
Are employers required to offer Cal COBRA?
COBRA applies only to companies with at least 20 employees. Employers are required to notify you when you are eligible for these benefits. If you elect to receive COBRA benefits, you will pay 100% of the total premium for your benefits plus a 2% administrative fee.
Is there a better alternative to COBRA?
If you can't afford COBRA continuation coverage, the ACA (Affordable Care Act), also known as Obamacare, is the best and most affordable option. Employees who lost their jobs can enroll in an Obamacare plan via the Marketplace during the open enrollment period that runs from November 1st through December 15th.
How long does ca COBRA last?
While COBRA is temporary, in most circumstances, you can stay on COBRA for 18 to 36 months.
Who sends out COBRA paperwork?
Your employer or the administrator has 45 days to send you the paperwork. Once you receive the form, you have 60 days to elect coverage.
Who receives a COBRA initial notice?
At the time that a qualifying event has occurred, CalPERS will notify covered individuals (also known as qualified beneficiaries) of their rights to elect COBRA continuation coverage. The term “qualified beneficiary” means, a covered individual that is eligible to continue coverage because of a qualifying event.
Can I get Cal COBRA if I quit my job?
You Can Get Health Coverage After You Quit
One avenue to explore is COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) insurance. This option allows you to retroactively continue with the same health plan you had under your most recent employer. Here's A Solution!
Can my employer deny me COBRA?
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.
Can I sue my employer for not offering COBRA?
In certain cases, yes, you can sue your employer for not offering COBRA. Employers are obligated to inform eligible employees about the availability of insurance coverage under COBRA and the requirement for employees to pay the full premium.
Am I getting fired with COBRA letter?
COBRA continuation coverage lets people who qualify keep their health insurance after their job ends, so it's not surprising that people who receive a COBRA notice might think they're job will soon be terminated. Getting a COBRA notice doesn't necessarily mean you'll be fired or laid off soon, though.