California Life-Only & Accident and Health AgentCalifornia Law - Life and Accident & HealthMedium
A small business in California has 20 employees and offers a group Accident and Health policy. One employee, after being terminated, wishes to continue their health coverage. Under Cal-COBRA, for how many months can this employee elect to continue their group health benefits?
- A36 months
- B29 months
- C18 months
- D60 months
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 36 months
Cal-COBRA applies to employers with 2 to 19 employees. For these smaller employers, Cal-COBRA extends continuation coverage for up to 36 months when federal COBRA coverage (18 or 29 months) is exhausted or not applicable.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is the federal COBRA period for disability, but Cal-COBRA extends general coverage for small employers.
- C. This is the standard federal COBRA period for termination, but Cal-COBRA extends it for small employers.
- D. 60 months is not a standard Cal-COBRA or federal COBRA duration.
Cal-COBRA Continuation (Termination)
Cal-COBRA provides a state-specific extension of health coverage continuation rights for employees of small businesses (2-19 employees) in California, typically extending federal COBRA periods.
- Applies to employers with 2-19 employees
- Extends coverage beyond federal COBRA
- Maximum 36 months for most qualifying events
Memory trick: Cal-COBRA 'Thrives' for three years, giving more time when federal COBRA 'Dives'.