June 5, 2017

If your agency offers group health benefits, you will have some responsibilities under COBRA.

COBRA is a federal law that requires employers of a certain size to continue to offer coverage to individuals who would otherwise lose their benefits. This most often happens due to termination of employment or a reduction in hours.

Let’s see how well you know your COBRA – take this short quiz to test your knowledge:

1. Federal COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees enrolled in health benefits.
   • TRUE
   • FALSE
2. California nonprofits have the option of participating in Cal-COBRA if they don’t qualify for Federal COBRA.
   • TRUE
   • FALSE
3. The maximum number of months someone can stay on COBRA or Cal-COBRA is:
   • 12
   • 18
   • 29
   • 36
4. COBRA and/or Cal-COBRA may also apply to other health benefits (e.g. dental, vision, etc.).
   • TRUE
   • FALSE
5. COBRA and/or Cal-COBRA premiums are exactly the same as a regular employee’s premium.
   • TRUE
   • FALSE

How do you think you did? Check below for the answers to the quiz.

1. FALSE
   Whether your organization is subject to Federal COBRA is determined by the number of employees on staff the preceding year. It doesn’t matter if they are enrolled in a health plan for this determination. However; someone who is not enrolled in your group health plan will not be eligible for COBRA benefits.
2. FALSE
   It’s not an “option”. If the employer only has 2-19 employees and offers group health coverage, they are covered by Cal-COBRA.
3. 36 months
   Federal COBRA = 18 months for some events (then eligible for another 18 months of Cal-COBRA)
   = 36 months for some events
   Cal-COBRA = 36 months
4. True
   The most common types of plans COBRA and Cal-COBRA apply to are medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA).
5. FALSE
   COBRA premiums can be up to 102% of the regular premium
   Cal-COBRA premiums can be up to 110% of the regular premium
   Disability extension COBRA or Cal-COBRA premiums can be up to 150% of the regular premium

To find out more about COBRA or Cal-COBRA, see California Department of Managed Health Care – Keep Your Health Coverage (COBRA). Your Employee Benefits Account Manager is also happy to answer any questions you may have.