As you transition from California College of the Arts, we encourage you to use this page as a helpful resource for important post-employment information. It includes details about benefits, payroll, tax documents, and other key items that may be relevant after your departure. We hope this serves as a clear and supportive guide during your transition.

Your CCA health benefits would terminate the first of the month following your separation from CCA. Review the below options in continuing coverage.

COBRA

COBRA allows for continued coverage of benefits subject to cost. Cobra is available for 18 months post separation, while the plan is in place. You will receive communication and have 60 days from the date on the election agreement to elect COBRA continuation coverage. Your election will retro back to the effective date. CCA works with WEX for our third-party vendor.

You can review the cost of cobra here. You will also receive notification directly from our COBRA Administrator, WEX, about the process of enrollment and payments.

Please be mindful that not all benefits will be able to continue under COBRA, for more details please refer to the flyer here.

Covered CA

A sudden loss of employment is considered a qualifying life event, which may allow you to enroll in health coverage through Covered California outside of the annual open enrollment period. You have 60 days from the date your coverage ends to apply for special enrollment.

Covered California offers ACA-compliant health plans and may provide financial assistance to help lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making it a helpful option during periods of unemployment or income change.

You can find more information about eligibility and how to apply for Covered California here.

Medicaid

Medicaid is health insurance coverage for people with lower income levels, making it an excellent option for people who have lost their jobs and have decreased or no income. The state and federal governments run Medicaid, so California will have specific income requirements for different plans and coverage levels.

Eligibility for Medicaid will depend on your monthly income, so you can receive health insurance coverage even if you were making larger sums earlier in the year. People enjoy Medicaid because enrollment is always open — you can enroll when you need it, whether that’s just after losing your job, when COBRA benefits run out or because of other lifestyle changes.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals age 65 and older, as well as some younger people with qualifying disabilities or specific medical conditions.

Medicare has precise eligibility requirements. You can qualify for Medicare coverage if you meet the following conditions:

• Age: Everyone over the age of 65 qualifies for Medicare, though you can only register at a specific time to avoid getting penalized. You can enroll up to three months before you turn 65.
• Illness: People under 65 can also qualify for Medicare coverage if they have certain conditions like end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
• Disability: If you have a disability that allows you to receive Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you can also qualify for Medicare.

You can’t form a family plan or insure dependents with a Medicare health insurance policy. However, it’s an excellent option for people trying to figure out how to get health insurance without a job if they meet special requirements. Refer to Medicare.gov for more information.

You may also reach out to Medicare guru Elliot Martin.

Employees are also eligible to apply for unemployment insurance through the state of California (or home state if remote) for wage replacement. This can be done following the effective date of your departure. More information can be found on the California EDD website by clicking here, as well as by reviewing For Your Benefit: California's Programs for the Unemployed. Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) ranges from $40 to $450. To get an estimate of what you will receive, use the unemployment benefit calculator. Please also reference the UI Online User Guide. Please note benefit eligibility and amount are subject to EDD determination.

For additional support, employees may access helpful how-to videos from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) on setting up a UI Online account, applying for unemployment, and certifying benefits here.

Following your departure from CCA you will no longer have access to CCA email, drive, or Workday. We encourage you to download any pay stubs and other important tax documents. Ensure that your address is up to date as well.

You may want to retrieve your job description for resume purposes.