Is anybody aware of a law in either Illinois or California which in effect penalizes individuals who elect COBRA coverage? An individual mentioned that they thought they had heard that individuals who elect COBRA in Illinois and California are not entitled to state-provided benefits at the expiration of the COBRA coverage. I have not heard of such a law - I would like to know everybody else's thoughts. If there are such laws, please let me know where I might find them.

Thanks

I think the individual is mistaken.

Cal COBRA requires coverage for smaller groups, and (generally) provides for an extension of benefits up to 36 months if the Fed COBRA period was shorter and has been exhausted.

What state provided benefits are you talking about? Food Stamps, UC ?

State health benefits for lower income families

In Illinois, Kidcare & Family look at income alone. I've even known instances where people have dropped their group coverage because their family income allowed them to be eligible for the state programs.