Section 1366.20 Of Article 4.5. California Cobra Program From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 2. >> Chapter 2.2. >> Article 4.5.
1366.20
. (a) This article shall be known as the California
Continuation Benefits Replacement Act, or "Cal-COBRA."
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that continued access to
health insurance coverage is provided to employees, and their
dependents, of employers with 2 to 19 eligible employees who are not
currently offered continuation coverage under the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that any federal
assistance that is or may become available to qualified beneficiaries
under this article be effectively and promptly implemented by the
department.
(d) The director, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner,
may adopt emergency regulations to implement this article in
accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1
of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code by making a finding
of emergency and demonstrating the need for immediate action in the
event that any federal assistance is or becomes available to
qualified beneficiaries under this article. The adoption of these
regulations shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law
to be necessary to avoid serious harm to the public peace, health,
safety, or general welfare. Any regulations adopted pursuant to this
subdivision shall be substantially similar to those adopted by the
Insurance Commissioner under subdivision (d) of Section 10128.50 of
the Insurance Code.