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Health Care Continuation (COBRA): California

Health Care Continuation (COBRA) requirements for other states

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Callan G. Carter, Trucker Huss

Summary

  • In addition to federal COBRA laws, employees in California may have additional rights to continued health coverage under California's state insurance laws. See Cal-COBRA; Extended Cal-COBRA.
  • Insurers issuing group health insurance policies in California must provide for continuation of benefits in certain instances. California's insurance laws contain two continuation requirements: 1) continuation for former participants of small employer plans; and 2) a possible extension of the continuation period for up to 36 months. See Cal-COBRA; Extended Cal-COBRA.
  • When group health insurance ends, health plans are required to offer individuals the opportunity to convert from a group policy to an individual policy. See Conversion.
  • All employers must provide to former employees a written description of California's Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program. See Required Notices.