Bet Cobra
COBRA is a federal law passed three decades ago to give families an insurance safety net between jobs. It’s available if you’re already enrolled in an employer-sponsored medical, dental or vision plan, and your company has 20 or more employees. Your spouse/partner and dependents can also be included on your COBRA coverage. COBRA stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has advisory jurisdiction over the continuation coverage requirements of COBRA as they apply to group health plans which are sponsored by state, county, municipal, or public school districts (“Public Sector COBRA”).
What you need to know
- Employees (or former employees) must generally pay the full amount of the insurance premiums and, if applicable, an administrative fee
- Qualifying events can include:
- Voluntary and involuntary job loss
- Reduction in work hours
- Death of the employee
- Loss of dependent status
- Divorce or legal separation of employee and their spouse
- Employee becomes entitled to Medicare
- Your employer (or former employer) is responsible for providing:
- Notifications
- Billing
- Payment collection
Typically, your employer will work with a COBRA provider (such as us) to handle the required tasks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Outbreak Period?
A: The Department of Labor (DOL), the DOL Employee Benefits Security Administration, and the Department of the Treasury (the “Agencies”) recently released guidance to provide relief for certain COBRA deadlines during the COVID-19 Outbreak Period. These deadlines are disregarded from March 1, 2020 until 60 days after the national emergency ends (official date yet to be determined).
Q: Can I have an extension to elect COBRA or pay my premium?
A: Yes, as of March 1, 2020 and throughout the “Outbreak Period”, deadlines are disregarded. As a reminder, these extensions do not apply to deadlines ending prior to March 1, 2020. For example, the following deadline expirations would still apply:
- Cancellations for non-payment of the January 2020 premium (deadline date: January 31, 2020);
- COBRA elections that must be made on or before February 29, 2020 (deadline date: 60 days from the date the notice was first mailed or loss of coverage date, whichever is later)
Q: My original COBRA election and/or premium payment deadline is during the Outbreak Period, so what is my new deadline?
A: We will not know the exact date until the federal government declares the COVID-19 national emergency has ended. Any days during the “Outbreak Period” are disregarded.
Q: Will I still have COBRA coverage while my payments are pending?
A: While you cannot be denied from receiving treatment, you may be expected to pay out-of-pocket and then file for reimbursement once your premium payment is made. It is not clear whether an insurer may decide to suspend coverage until you pay the COBRA premium and then reinstate your coverage once your back-premium(s) for those periods are made.
Q: My loss of coverage was not related to COVID-19, am I still eligible for the deadline relief?
A: The current guidance does not specify eligibility requirements for qualified beneficiaries to receive this relief.
Q: Can I stop my coverage for one month since my provider’s office is closed?
A: No. While COBRA coverage is month-to-month (i.e., you can stop it at any time), it is also continuous. If your coverage is canceled (for example, due to non-payment of premiums) it cannot be reinstated.
Q: Can I use health savings account (HSA) funds to pay my COBRA premiums?
A: Yes, you can use HSA funds to pay COBRA premiums. Transaction fees may apply.
Q: I just enrolled in company benefits, so why did I receive a COBRA letter?
A: Employers are required by law to provide the COBRA General Rights Notice to you and all individuals enrolled in the company’s health plan. This requirement informs you of your rights under COBRA law and explains how you can enroll in COBRA if needed. The notice does not require any action from you.
Q: How much time do I have to elect COBRA coverage once I become eligible?
A: You have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage, from the date the notice was first mailed or loss of coverage date, whichever is later. You also have 45 days from the date you enrolled in COBRA to pay the first premium. These deadlines are disregarded from March 1, 2020 until the end of the Outbreak Period.
If you elect COBRA coverage through Lifetime Benefit Solutions, you have 24/7 access to your account through our online portal. The member portal allows you to:
- View your plan and payment information
- Update your personal contact information
- Make a single payment or set up automatic recurring payments
- Set your communication preferences and view past messages
View detailed information on setting up your COBRA account for the first time.
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If you have questions regarding online registration or the COBRA member portal, our dedicated customer service team is here to help. Call us at 1-800-828-0078, Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST.
Save time and hassles with LBS COBRA & Premium Billing
Stay up-to-date and worry-free with the LBS COBRA & Premium Billing App! Manage your plans 24/7 through the intuitive design and navigation while on the go. Powerful features of this app include (if supported by your account):
Plan Information
- Get visibility on payments made to your plan
- View notifications and receive messages from your administrator to stay up-to-date on your record
- Click to call or email Customer Service
Making Payments
- Make one time payments when most convenient for you
- Schedule future and recurring payments to put you at ease
- Use your bank account or credit card
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- Pick and choose the plan(s) that best suits you
- Avoid the hassle of paper by utilizing the latest in secure mobile payment technology
- View what you elected to better understand your coverage level, and make changes if needed