How to elect COBRA coverage
- Can formally elect online with the temporary password and login included in the election packet
- By completing the enclosed election form and emailing, faxing or mailing it
Initial COBRA payment results in what?
One full month’s payment to VitaCOBRA allows us to notify the insurance company for retroactive coverage
How long does initial reinstatement take?
- Usually takes 5-10 days from the time VitaCOBRA receives payment and election form
- We don’t receive notice from the insurance company that it has been reinstated
- If problems after 10 days, please call VitaCOBRA
What to do after initial reinstatement has been completed when you have claims?
Submit to the insurance company for reimbursement
Health insurance cards?
- As a continuation of coverage, will not receive a new card
- Dependent-only elections: ID cards issued with oldest dependent with the primary beneficiary name on the cards
Initial election deadline?
60 days from the later of:
- Coverage termination date of QE
- Date election notice provided
- Last day to elect on the COBRA election form
How much time to make initial payment?
45 days to pay current and retroactive payments
Which health plan can I elect?
COBRA health insurance election choices are on the COBRA election form
-Each QB has the right to elect COBRA and you don’t all have to have the same level of coverage.
Two instances where you can change COBRA coverage upon initial election:
- Normal open enrollment
2. If you are enrolled in an HMO plan and you move out of the HMO service area
Who can authorize COBRA elections?
An EE or spouse who is a QB can elect COBRA on behalf of all QBs
How to request e-mail communication
If prefer e-mail correspondence instead of written, check the box on the election form
- if you elect online, it will be assumed that you would like e-mail correspondence unless you request otherwise in writing
What should I do if I don’t want COBRA?
Take no action or formally indicate decision on the COBRA election form
-Each QB must give consent to decline COBRA
What coverage can be continued?
Medical, dental, vision, HRAs, EAP and FSAs
Do I have to keep COBRA for the entire time?
Can cancel coverage at any time
- Can only be cancelled at the start of a monthly payment period
- Once cancelled, cannot restart
- Coverage changes must be requested in writing via email, fax or mail
How long does COBRA last?
18 months if due to end of employment or reduction of hours
36 months if due to divorce, legal separation, death of EE, Medicare entitlement or dependent child who is no longer eligible under plan
When can COBRA be extended?
Three instances:
- Second Qualifying Event (SQE)
- Social Security Disability Extension
- Cal-COBRA Extension
What causes coverage to end?
Will terminate on the earliest of the following dates:
- When premium isn’t made
- when you become covered under another plan
- when first entitled to Medicare
- coverage terminated for fraud
- if you have extended coverage for 29 mos and you or dep are no longer disabled
How to terminate coverage
Made in writing to VitaCOBRA
- cobra@vitamail.com or mailed no later than 30 days after premium due date
- Include name, acct # coverage terminating and eff date
Which health plan can I elect?
COBRA health insurance election choices are on the COBRA election form
-Each QB has the right to elect COBRA and you don’t all have to have the same level of coverage.
Two instance where you can change COBRA coverage upon initial election:
- Normal open enrollment
2. If you are enrolled in an HMO plan and you move out of the HMO service area
Who can authorize COBRA elections?
An EE or spouse who is a QB can elect COBRA on behalf of all QBs
How to request e-mail communication
If prefer e-mail correspondence instead of written, check the box on the election form
- if you elect online, it will be assumed that you would like e-mail correspondence unless you request otherwise in writing
What should I do if I don’t want COBRA?
Take no action or formally indicate decision on the COBRA election form
-Each QB must give consent to decline COBRA
What coverage can be continued?
Medical, dental, vision, HRAs, EAP and FSAs
