Most of us usually rely on the experience of others to understand how to deal with similar situations. The real problem with this is that benefits are person-centered. Benefit programs fit each individual differently, based on a variety of facts and conditions, such as:

Paying premiums can be an additional and unplanned financial burden. If you choose to discontinue your employer-sponsored health coverage, you will need to consider other options to pay for health coverage. Many individuals with disabilities deny themselves Cal-COBRA and choose Medi-Cal or Medicare to meet health coverage needs. Be aware that not everyone is eligible for Medi-Cal or Medicare. In some cases, using public health coverage costs more than Cal-COBRA premiums. Also, if you are disabled, you may be able to have your Cal-COBRA premiums paid through either Medi-Cal/HIPP or CARE/HIPP for HIV/AIDS, if you meet disability and financial eligibility requirements.

Many small business owners and employers are not aware of their responsibility to provide Cal-COBRA information. Employers with 2 to 19 employees who provide health coverage are required to have information and Cal-COBRA applications for their employees.

There are strict deadlines to apply for, pay premiums and maintain eligibility for Cal-COBRA. Awareness of these deadlines will enable you to continue coverage without interruption.

If you delay paying premiums when you first elect Cal-COBRA, you could owe multiple premium payments at once.

You can use your health coverage before paying premiums. However, if you use your health coverage and do not pay premiums, you will become responsible for the total amount of your health care costs.

Your health coverage can be cancelled if you do not pay the premiums when they are due. The law requires a 30 day grace period after cancellation of a policy, allowed once during any 12 month period. If your premium payments are made within those 30 days, the policy will be re-instated.