You have options to make sure you don’t go without coverage. If both are available, compare them to see which is best for you. Show Change to a Blue Cross plan that you buy yourselfIf you won't be covered by employer-provided insurance due to a job loss, you qualify for special enrollment. You'll have up to 60 days before and 60 days after your employer’s plan ends to purchase a plan. Find a plan. What is COBRA?The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, is a federal program that lets you keep the same coverage you had on the job. The difference is now you pay the full monthly cost, instead of sharing it with your employer. You qualify for this program if your employer had 20 or more full-time employees and:
To learn more about COBRA, talk to your former employer’s human resources representative or visit the U.S. Department of Labor website. COVID-19 has led to both a health and economic crisis for millions of Americans. During this challenging time, making decisions about your health care can be stressful. If you need coverage due to unforeseen work circumstances, you have health care options to keep you and your family covered as you look for other opportunities. There are several health insurance options for the unemployed that can provide protection during a coverage gap. One of those options is COBRA. These answers to common questions about COBRA coverage may help you decide whether COBRA is an option for you.1 Q: What is COBRA? Q: How do you know if you are eligible?
A: Your COBRA coverage should be the same as the previous group plan coverage before your qualifying event, and you:
Q. How is COBRA different from Medicaid? Dealing with a job change and health care decisions can be difficult, and you may have other questions. There are resources you can turn to for help. Talk to your benefits department or human resources representative to learn more about your options. You can also contact:
2 Rudowitz, R., Garfield, R., Kaiser Family Foundation: 10 Things to Know about Medicaid: Setting the Facts Straight (March 2019): kff.org. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a United States federal law that, among other things, requires employers of 20 or more employees to offer continuation of coverage to employees and their dependents when a qualifying event that results in the loss of group eligibility occurs. Cal-COBRA is a California law that applies to employers with 2 to 19 employees and employers with more than 20 employees who have exhausted their federal COBRA. Key facts:
Additional InformationFor more information on Federal COBRA and Cal-COBRA, please visit the California Department of Managed Healthcare website. How do you call COBRA?Administration electronically or call toll free 1-866-444-3272.
Does COBRA kick in 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.
How do I find my COBRA account?To access your account online go to the Login menu and select COBRA & Direct Billing.. Enter Username and click Next.. Enter password and click Sign In.. Who do I contact for Cal COBRA?Call us and we can help you compare your Cobra plan/rate and the new Covered Ca options which might have tax credits available. 800-320-6269.
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