Whether you are the survivor of a retired member or active member, generally, anyone who is receiving a continuing monthly allowance from LACERA and who qualifies as a surviving eligible dependent (as defined by LACERA’s Retiree Healthcare Administrative Guidelines) is eligible to enroll in LACERA-administered healthcare coverage. See below for more information about coverage for survivors of retired members or coverage for survivors of active members.
To avoid healthcare late enrollment rules, survivors must notify LACERA within 30 days of the member’s death. For eligibility questions about LACERA-administered survivor healthcare, contact our Retiree Healthcare Division.
Coverage for Survivors of Retired Members
If the County was subsidizing your spouse or partner’s healthcare premiums based on length of service, the County will contribute the same percentage toward your eligible survivor premiums. Benefits for eligible dependents are continuous, provided they were covered under the deceased member's plan.
Survivors and dependents who had continuous coverage under the decedent’s LACERA-administered health plan, but who are not eligible for a continuing monthly allowance, may apply for continued healthcare benefits (for a maximum of 36 months) under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
When an eligible survivor notifies LACERA of a member’s death, LACERA mails a healthcare benefits information packet to the survivor. The packet includes information on benefits and premium rates, along with an enrollment form.
Coverage for Survivors of Active Members
Upon the death of an active member, a survivor or beneficiary who is receiving a continuing monthly allowance from LACERA is generally eligible to enroll in LACERA-administered healthcare coverage. When LACERA is notified of a member's death, LACERA mails a healthcare benefits information packet to any applicable party. The packet includes information on benefits and premium rates, along with enrollment forms.