Skyline Benefit

Continuation coverage

COBRA and Cal-COBRA Guide

A practical employer checklist for continuation coverage after a qualifying event

Continuation coverage is a formal employer and plan-administration responsibility. This guide helps identify the information to organize, but the plan administrator, carrier or TPA, and qualified legal advisers should confirm the applicable notice, election, and payment rules.

01

Identify the coverage event

Start with the employee or dependent, the event date, the group coverage end date, and the plan involved. A reduction in hours, job loss, divorce, death, or another event can trigger different questions.

02

Use the plan’s official notice process

Keep the carrier, TPA, or plan administrator involved from the beginning. They determine the current notices, deadlines, election materials, and payment process that apply to the plan.

03

Keep payroll and benefits roles clear

Document who communicates with the former employee, who sends notices, when payroll deductions stop, and where questions about premiums or elections should go.

Local employer support

We help employers compare, implement, and service coverage.

Compare

See the tradeoffs clearly.

CostEmployer contribution, employee payroll deductions, and renewal impact.
AccessCarrier networks, doctors, hospitals, referrals, and service areas.

Enroll

Keep employees informed.

TimelineEffective dates, form deadlines, first invoice, and ID card expectations.
SupportEmployee questions, carrier portals, enrollment changes, and billing setup.

Renew

Review before rates change.

StrategyRenewal alternatives, plan changes, contribution adjustments, and employee choice.
ServiceClaims questions, eligibility updates, billing issues, and carrier follow-up.

From our clients

Trusted employer benefit guidance from a local team.

FAQ

Frequently asked group health questions

What is the difference between COBRA and Cal-COBRA?

Federal COBRA generally applies to employers with 20 or more employees in the prior calendar year. California has Cal-COBRA continuation rules for some smaller-group arrangements. The plan administrator or a qualified benefits professional should confirm which rules apply.

Who pays for continuation coverage?

The qualified beneficiary commonly pays the required continuation premium directly through the plan’s official payment process. The applicable notice explains the amount, due dates, and payment instructions.

Can Skyline Benefit file COBRA notices or make the legal determination?

No. The employer, plan administrator, carrier or TPA, and qualified legal advisers handle the official process. We can help keep the coverage and enrollment context organized while those parties confirm the required steps.

What should an employer gather first?

Keep the event date, coverage end date, plan and carrier information, employee contact information, current payroll status, and any notice sent by the plan administrator together.

Ready for a group quote?

Choose how to complete your census.

Use our guided online form, or complete the Excel template and upload it securely. Both options give us the information needed to prepare your group quote.

Option 1 · Recommended

Complete it online

Enter your company and employee information in one guided form. Nothing to download or upload.

Start Online Census
Option 2 · Spreadsheet

Complete it offline

Prefer Excel? Download the template, complete it at your convenience, then return to upload it securely.

Please do not send census information through regular email. Use the online form or secure upload portal above.

Ready to compare group health?

Review group health options with an advisor.

Share a few business details and a licensed Skyline Benefit advisor will follow up within one business day.

  • Carrier and program comparisons
  • Employer contribution and payroll-cost review
  • Enrollment, renewal, and ongoing support

Review group health options with an advisor.

For California employers with 1–100 employees.

    Insurance inquiries only.

    We only use your information to respond. Do not include medical, Medicare, or Social Security numbers. Privacy Policy