California Cobra Insurance Resource

COBRA Insurance in California:

What are your options?

State Insurance Department Information:

California insurance department documents and articles of interest:

Cobra Insurance in California:

If you work for an employer that has over 20 full-time employees:  Then federal COBRA law applies, go to COBRA summary

Has California enacted a Law similar to COBRA for business with fewer than 20 full-time employees?

Yes, CAL-COBRA is requires every group health plan contract providing health and disability coverage to small employers with 2 to 19 eligible employees.  For a comparison between CAL COBRA and COBRA click here.

What are your options?

1. Contact your previous employer and ask him/her to give you your COBRA (CAL-COBRA) Papers so that you may see how much it is to continue your health insurance through the group plan.

2. Shop for temporary health insurance: if you do not have preexisting conditions and need temporary coverage for 1-6 months then temporary health insurance is a great solution and you will find that it is extremely affordable.

3. If you have preexisting conditions or pregnant you should try to get on another group plan (or pay for COBRA) as quick as you can or contact your local insurance state department to see what they have available for you.  Many states have a guaranteed issue health insurance plan for individuals who cannot secure coverage through a private health insurer.

California State Insurance Department Contact Information:

For CAL-COBRA or Senior COBRA (employer groups under 20 employees) inquires or problems you should contact the following:

California Department of Insurance - Website

Consumer Communications Bureau
300 South Spring Street, South Tower
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP (4357)

Out-of-State Callers use 213-897-8921

For COBRA (employer groups over 20+ employees) inquires or question you should contact the Department of Labor:

Department of Labor - California Area

San Francisco Regional Office 71

Stevenson St, Ste 915

P.O. Box 190250

San Francisco, CA 94119-0250

Phone: 415-975-4600 Fax: 975-4588
 

California COBRA links:

• CAL-COBRA

• Senior COBRA

• CAL-COBRA vs. COBRA - comparison of the two laws.