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COBRA and Cal-COBRA

Unemployment has its drawbacks but with COBRAB and CAL-COBRA being uninsured does not need to be one of them.

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is designed to provide a safety net for people who might find themselves uninsured after a change in their employment status. For example, a father and husband who works as a construction foreman is laid off from his job.

In the past, the only option for this family would be expensive individual health insurance – assuming they are healthy enough to qualify. However, under COBRA, many companies are obliged to offer ex-employees the right to continue their coverage for a limited time.

There are some important things to keep in mind when considering if COBRA applies to your situation and how it will impact your budget. Not all employees are required to offer continuing coverage under COBRA – those who are not include businesses with fewer than 20 employees. There are also certain other exclusions. However, California residents have the additional protection of Cal-COBRA, which eliminates most of these exclusions, and also offers a time extension for those whose COBRA eligibility has expired.

California healthcare consumers can go to their local library, check with their company’s human resources department or visit online websites to get more information.

Once you have determined if you are eligible for COBRA, you need to consider the cost. Most employers pay for a portion of their employees’ health insurance premium costs as part of their benefits package. However, that contribution will not continue once employment is terminated. If the employee wishes to continue their health insurance benefits, they need to pay the whole amount of the premium out of their own pocket. Using COBRA to continue existing insurance is, however, generally less expensive and easier than purchasing individual coverage.


 
   

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Getting the most from your Health Insurance Plan

Though it is essential that Californians have health insurance, it is equally or more vital that they understand their policies so they may fully utilize the coverage to which they are entitled.

All California residents should be aware by now of how important it is to have health insurance. But once you have obtained the right coverage for you and your loved ones, how do you make the most of it? Below are some suggestions on how to get the best value for your healthcare dollar.

First, no matter what type of plan you are a part of, make sure to have a doctor you can trust, and one with whom you feel comfortable interacting. Your insurance company’s website can be a great resource for selecting a provider who is right for you. For example, choosing the right obstetrician is a big part of having a happy, healthy pregnancy. Find out as much as you can about the doctor – how long have they been in practice? What is their attitude about pain relief during labor? Will they, personally, be there for your entire pregnancy, labor and delivery, or are there others doctors with whom they "share" patients?