🇺🇸 English 🇰🇷 한국어 Last Updated: September 1, 2026 Can You Have COBRA and Medi-Cal at the Same Time? California Guide for 2026 Losing a job often means losing employer-sponsored health insurance. If your employer offers COBRA, you may be able to temporarily continue the same group health plan — but the monthly premium can be expensive. If your income drops after leaving your job, you may also qualify for Medi-Cal. This raises an important question: Can you have COBRA and Medi-Cal at the same time? Quick Answer: Yes, it is possible to have private health insurance such as COBRA while also qualifying for Medi-Cal. If you have other health coverage, you must report it to Medi-Cal. The private insurance generally pays first for covered services, and Medi-Cal is generally the payer of last resort. 1. What Is COBRA? COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. It is a federal law that allows many employees a...