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HEALTH PLAN CONTINUATION COVERAGE RIGHTS (COBRA) A Federal law known as COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended) requires the County of Los Angeles to offer employees and their families the opportunity for a temporary extension of health benefits at group rates plus an administrative charge in certain instances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. At the time you first become covered under a County health plan, you should receive a notice that will explain your rights and obligations under COBRA as well as a notice explaining your rights and obligations under California law. You may choose continuation coverage if your coverage terminates for the following reasons: • Reduction in your hours of employment • Termination of your employment In addition, your spouse/domestic partner and children are entitled to choose continuation coverage for the following reasons: • Termination of your employment or reduction of your hours or employment • Your divorce, legal separation or termination of domestic partnership • You become eligible for Medicare • Your death • Your child ceases to qualify as a dependent Under COBRA, you or your covered dependent(s) are responsible for informing the County within 60 days of a divorce/legal separation, or of a child losing dependent status under your plan. If notification is not given within this time frame, the right to continuation coverage will be lost. Also, if you or your covered dependents do not choose continuation coverage within 60 days from the date you receive notice, your coverage will end as specified under the term of your plan. When you become eligible for COBRA, the County will notify you or your dependent(s) of the right to continue coverage. If continuation coverage is chosen, the County is required to offer coverage identical to that which you had while employed. Your coverage will last for 18 months or longer depending upon the reason coverage ends or if you are disabled. You do not have to show that you are insurable to choose continuation coverage. You will have a grace period of 45 days after you elect COBRA to make your initial payment. You will be responsible for paying the monthly premium plus an administrative charge. After Federal COBRA ends, you may be entitled to extend coverage under California law. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enroll in an individual conversion policy. Please note that continuation coverage rights with respect to domestic partners arise as a matter of County policy and do not arise under federal or state law. To learn more about your COBRA coverage, please contact: COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE BENEFITS DIVISION COBRA ENROLLMENTS 3333 Wilshire Boulevard, 10th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 388-9982 |