Simply Covered

Several events may cause someone to be eligible for COBRA. If you, your spouse, or your dependents lose coverage under an employer’s plan due to one of the reasons listed below*, that’s a qualifying event. The type of qualifying event determines how long you can have COBRA coverage. Qualifying Event Covered Person(s) Period of Coverage… [Read more…]

Have you or one of your dependents lost insurance coverage from an employer-sponsored group health plan? If so, there’s no need to panic. Although you no longer have health benefits as part of your job, you have other coverage options, such as COBRA insurance. What is COBRA? COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation… [Read more…]

Only qualified beneficiaries can elect COBRA coverage. Who qualifies? Certain individuals who were covered under an employer’s group health plan the day before a qualifying event — that’s the reason for losing their health insurance and other benefits. In most cases, there are three groups of people who are COBRA qualified beneficiaries: The employee (or… [Read more…]

Several events may cause someone to be eligible for COBRA. If you, your spouse, or your dependents lose coverage under an employer’s plan due to one of the reasons listed below*, that’s a qualifying event. The type of qualifying event determines how long you can have COBRA coverage. Qualifying Event Covered Person(s) Period of Coverage… [Read more…]

Many employers contract with benefits companies to provide COBRA administration services to their employees and qualified beneficiaries. After a qualifying event has occurred, the employer and its plan administrator have up to 44 days to furnish a COBRA Election Notice. Mailed COBRA Materials Once the employer (or its designated data provider) tells the plan administrator… [Read more…]

COBRA can be expensive — there’s no denying that. Many people get sticker shock when they see how much their health coverage is under COBRA. You are generally required to pay the full cost of your health coverage plus an additional 2 percent administrative fee. Remember, this is the full premium charged by the insurance… [Read more…]

When open enrollment season rolls around, keep in mind that COBRA qualified beneficiaries have the same rights as active employees. So if you have COBRA coverage, you may need to participate in your former employer’s open enrollment process. Be on the lookout for open enrollment materials from your employer. You will receive information about: Your… [Read more…]

Your COBRA coverage doesn’t last forever. The length of time that you can have COBRA depends on your qualifying event. COBRA coverage may end when: You reach the last day of your maximum coverage period. Your premiums are not paid on time. Your former employer no longer maintains any group health plan. You obtain coverage… [Read more…]

Can I drop a dependent? Yes, dependents can be dropped. However, please remember that your request must be made in writing. Will I receive a new insurance card? No. You should continue to use the same cards provided to you by your former employer. How long can I remain on COBRA? The length of your… [Read more…]

Certificate of Creditable Coverage. This certificate is proof that you had coverage through a group or individual health plan. HIPAA requires group health plans, health insurance companies, and HMOs to furnish this document. It must be provided to individuals who lose coverage under an employer-provided health plan as well as individuals who elected COBRA but their coverage… [Read more…]