California Law on Medical Benefits

Knox-Keene Act

• The Knox-Keene Act of 1975 governs health maintenance organizations in California. Benefits protected include coverage of pre-existing conditions as outlined in section 1357.51. Section 1357.54 of the law protects the right to renewal of coverage regardless of medical conditions.
  
  

Family Rights Act

• The California Family Rights Act covers California employers with at least 50 full or part-time employees. Employees who work at least 1,250 hours for the employer during at least 12 months of employment have the right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family emergencies. The law requires employers to continue any health benefits provided employees during the absence.
  
  

California COBRA

• The federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) law allows employees to keep their group health insurance for up to 18 months when they lose their job. The employee must pay the premiums. California's COBRA law adds an additional 18 months for Californians and applies the law to more employers than the federal law.