Larger employers (those with 20 or more employees) are also affected by Cal-COBRA. If the enrollee has exhausted his or her COBRA coverage and was entitled to less than 36 months of COBRA coverage, then California health care service plans must offer the enrollee additional continuation coverage under Cal-COBRA for a total of up to 36 months.
This information and the rate limits on Cal-COBRA must be contained in the COBRA Continuation Election Notice - California Employees.
Example: A California enrollee exhausts his 18 months of COBRA coverage and does not qualify for any of the COBRA extensions. The enrollee may choose up to 18 months of additional coverage under Cal-COBRA.
Example: A deceased employee’s spouse is eligible for up to 36 months of COBRA coverage. The spouse was covered for the maximum of 36 months and would not be able to opt for Cal-COBRA coverage after COBRA coverage ends.