Can my employer change my insurance carrier?
Only if they change insurance carriers. If they terminate with one carrier and replace it with another, you will be offered the opportunity of completing the forms for the new carrier.
I called my doctor or requested a prescription but was told that I am not covered. Am I covered?
Your employer terminates your coverage at termination or the loss of coverage date. It is not reinstated until you return any required forms and in most cases, the COBRA premium due to-date. Once reinstated, the insurance carrier will reimburse you for covered expenses less any co-pay or deductible. If you belong to an HMO, it […]
How do I elect COBRA?
Once you receive your COBRA Specific Rights Notice, you have 60 days from the postmark to elect COBRA coverage. When we receive your election form, we will send you a coupon book covering the next 12 months of premiums and any insurance forms (if required). You must return all forms and premiums covering the period […]
Why is the envelope postmark important?
All of the notice dates, response dates, and payment dates are based upon the postmark on the envelope, not when it is placed for mail pickup or when it is received.
What if I am disabled?
If it is determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you were disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA coverage 29th month for yourself and covered dependents. The premium for the disabled Qualified Beneficiary can be increased to 150%.
Can my COBRA premium change?
Yes. If the employer’s insurance premium increases, your COBRA premium will also increase.
Why is my COBRA premium so high?
While you were employed, the employer may have paid some or all of the premium for yourself and covered dependents. Once you go on COBRA, you pay the entire premium plus a 2% administration fee.
Is my Domestic Partner covered?
In most cases, if your Domestic Partner was covered prior to the Qualifying Event, they will be provided COBRA-like benefits, although the IRS does not deem them to be Qualified Beneficiaries. Therefore, they can only participate as long as they are covered by the former employee.
How long can I continue coverage?
As an employee, the coverage for yourself and covered dependents can be continued for 18 months for termination or reduction of hours. Covered dependents can continue coverage for 36 months as a result of divorce or legal separation, cessation of dependent status, employee entitlement of Medicare or employee death.
How long do I have to be covered under the company insurance before I (or my covered dependents) are eligible for COBRA?
As long as you were covered on the day prior to the Qualifying Event, you are eligible for COBRA.
What is a Qualifying Event?
Common events include: termination of employment, reduction of hours, divorce or legal separation, cessation of dependent status, employee death, failure to return from FMLA or certain employer bankruptcy.
What is COBRA?
COBRA (or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) requires continuation coverage to be offered to covered employees, their spouses, former spouses and dependent children when group health coverage would otherwise be lost due to certain Qualifying Events.
Will my coverage change?
No, it will not change. COBRA is an 18 month extension of the exact same benefit coverage that they had as an active employee. They can change benefits during Open Enrollment.
Will I get new ID cards?
This depends on the carrier. It is probable that new cards are issued if any of the identifying characteristics will change. In the meantime they should use their SSN.
