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Q:  My 18 month Cobra coverage through my employer will terminate next month. I am a California resident but am covered by Blue Shield of Florida. I would like to sign up with California Cobra, but according to Blue Shield of CA's Cal Cobra Group, I am not eligible because Blue Shield of Florida is not bound by California law. However, since they covered me, that means they were doing business in California... so can you please verify whether or not I should be able to get on Cal Cobra with Blue Shield? THANK YOU.

A: Each state may have their own specific laws that are similar to the continuation of their group health plan under the Federal Law; COBRA. These are sometimes referred to as mini COBRA laws.  Cal-COBRA is a California issued law that allows a resident employee to continue with the group health plan offered by California employers with 2-19 employees. That continuation can be no longer than 36 months. One may also use Cal-COBRA is extend an 18 month continuation of COBRA for up to 36 months with an increased rate of up to 110%. (Unless premiums are affected by the disability extension) The dental and vision plans may not be subject to the continuation under the state issued law. Once significant difference between the state issued and the federal is that the insurance company is the responsible party that has to notify you and the qualified beneficiaries and they are responsible for collecting your premiums. The employer is responsible for notifying the insurance company of the qualifying event. You will need to contact the California insurance department for specific Cal-COBRA question. 

The phone number for the California Department of insurance is 800-927-4357