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COBRA Continuation Coverage

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is a federal law that allows workers and their families to continue their employer-provided health insurance for a limited period after losing it due to certain life events, such as job loss, reduction in hours, divorce, or death.
 
COBRA can be a valuable option for employees needing to maintain their health insurance coverage during the transition. It is important to note that COBRA is not a permanent solution, and employees should begin exploring other health insurance options as soon as possible.

You and your dependents qualify for COBRA coverage should you experience the following status changes:

Your employment is terminated.

You lose benefit eligibility.

Your spouse and dependents may qualify for COBRA continuation in the event of your death, divorce or when a child no longer qualifies as a covered dependent (December 31 of the year they turn 26 years of age).

When an employee or dependent loses coverage, the Benefits Office will mail an application for COBRA continuation. If it is not received within a reasonable length of time (no longer than 30 days), please call the Benefits Office at (989) 774-3661.

You have 60 days from the date the notice of continuation rights is mailed to your home to apply for COBRA coverage.

 

Once the Benefits Office receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred, COBRA Continuation coverage will be offered to each qualified beneficiary. To elect continuation coverage, you must complete the election form mailed to you and submit it to the Benefits office by the deadline on the form.

Each qualified beneficiary has a separate right to elect COBRA Continuation coverage. For example, your spouse may elect coverage even if you do not. COBRA Continuation coverage may be elected for only one, several, or all dependent children who are qualified beneficiaries. A parent may elect or reject Continuation coverage for any minor child(ren). You and your spouse may elect Continuation coverage for each other but cannot reject coverage for the other person.

If elected and it is determined that you or a covered dependent is not entitled to COBRA Continuation coverage, you will be provided with a written explanation.

Generally, COBRA continuation coverage for you and/or your covered dependents may continue for:

18 months from the date you lose benefit eligibility.

36 months for your covered dependents when the event is a divorce or legal separation, your death, your enrollment in Medicare or a child's loss of eligibility status for coverage.

If you participate in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account, COBRA Continuation coverage is only available until the end of the plan year in which the qualifying event occurs and may not be extended beyond that date.

Yes, other coverage options are available through the Health Insurance Marketplace.  The Marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that meets your needs and fits your budget.  The Marketplace offers "one-stop shopping" to find and compare private health insurance options.

You may be eligible for a tax credit that lowers your monthly premium.  You are able to see what your premium, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs will be before you decide to enroll.

1-800-318-2596 (TYY: 1-855-889-4325)

Healthcare Marketplace