Special enrollment launched for COBRA holders

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California’s health insurance exchange has launched a special enrollment drive for people covered under COBRA.

Covered California announced the two-month enrollment window on Thursday.

COBRA is a federal act that allows workers who lose health benefits to continue coverage at their own cost for a limited time. A recent federal health ruling allows COBRA holders to switch to a state exchange plan.

Health officials have been concerned that people covered under COBRA were not given enough information about their options.

Nearly 1.4 million Californians have selected a private health policy through the state’s exchange, exceeding expectations.