The Federal law known as the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
of 1985 provides the option to continue group insurance coverage after:
- a separation of employment, or
- a loss of eligibility
COBRA requires that most employers sponsoring group health plans offer
employees and their eligible dependents the opportunity for temporary
extension of continuous coverage in instances when coverage under the
plan would otherwise end.
A COBRA notification packet is mailed to an employee within 14
days of the date that Benefits Services receives official confirmation
of an employee's separation from employment or change in eligibility
status. The law requires that this packet be sent by mail to the last
known address of the employee. This packet will include:
- an official notice that outlines regulations
- a COBRA enrollment application
- information on life insurance conversion options
An eligible individual has 60 days from the date of the notice to elect
COBRA coverage, which is effective retroactive to the last
day of coverage. The individual then has an additional 45 days from
the date of COBRA election to make the first premium payment, made
payable directly to the carrier(s).
More details about COBRA coverage are available on the Employee Insurance
Program website
or detailed in the booklet Health
Benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.
COBRA Enrollment Form
COBRA Rates
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