Bottom Line: If you lose your job and want to continue receiving health insurance for you and your family, it may be possible though the Federal Government’s COBRA program.
Formed in 1985, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act mandated that people who were previous employed be allowed to continue health coverage under certain criteria. There are 3 criteria for eligibility for COBRA:
- Plan Coverage: To qualify for COBRA you must be part of a group health plan that contains 20 or more employees.
- Qualifying Beneficiaries: If your whole family was covered previously, it is likely that you can continue health coverage for your dependants (spouse and children) under the COBRA plan.
- Qualifying Events: If you were terminated from your job, or if you have had a reduction in the number of hours you work such that you lose health coverage, you are likely qualified to receive COBRA coverage.
Cost: The cost for COBRA care will most likely be considerably higher than your previous premium because, as the person being covered you must pay the entire premium, which was likely defrayed partially by your previous employer. The cost cannot exceed 102% of the plan for “similar stated individuals.”
Payment must occur within 45 days of choosing to utilize the COBRA healthcare plan.
Enrollment: You must enroll within 14 days after ending employment. You may remain on COBRA, if not under special circumstances, for 18 months.
Take Action:
- Learn more about the specific eligibility requirements of COBRA.
- Contact the San Mateo Community Health Advocates Hotline at 650-573-3595
- Find other San Mateo County health insurance resources such as:
- Health Plan of San Mateo or at 650-616-0050
- San Mateo County Children’s Health Initiative or at 650-573-3595
- San Mateo County Health Services Agency 650-573-3900
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Find out if COBRA is right for you
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