Below is a general FAQ by topic for employees, retirees and continuation participants. Can't find what you're looking for? Try a search of our website here...
COBRA Continuation Frequently Asked Questions:
What is COBRA Continuation Coverage?
A: COBRA is a Federal law which protects the benefits rights of employees. COBRA allows for employees to continue their group health plan coverage when a qualifying event occurs, for a designated amount of time provided that certain criteria are met. In other words, COBRA is continuation of the benefits offered by your employer group health plan.
How do I enroll in COBRA Coverage?
You will receive a COBRA notice from CobraHelp which will allow you to elect continuation coverage. If you have not received a COBRA notice within 14 days of your qualifying event, please contact CobraHelp customer service at (866)-946-5181 or cs@mycobrahelp.com.
Where do i send my election agreement and premium payment?
A: Mail completed election form with initial premium payment to CobraHelp, 1620 High Street, Denver, CO 80218. We also accept emailed forms to cs2@mycobrahelp.com. Be sure to verify that we have received your mailed or emailed form! If you wish to pay the initial premium online, you must first be enrolled into our billing system, and then you will have access to the web portal where you may remit premiums online with a credit/debit card.
Who should i make my check payable to for coverage?
A: If paying premiums by paper check, make your check or money order payable to CobraHelp and mail to CobraHelp at 1620 High Street Denver, CO 80218. This applies to COBRA, Retiree Coverage, and Leave of Absence Coverage. Note: CobraHelp is a third party billing administrator; we do not "keep" your insurance premium payments as we are not your insurance carrier. We collect your premium on behalf of the group health plan.
I have sent my election agreement to CobraHelp without payment. Why is my coverage not active?
A: To activate coverage, we must receive the first month’s premium (initial premium payment). Reactivation with insurance carriers may take 7-14 business days. If you have waited over one week for your election agreement and initial premium to be processed, and your coverage remains cancelled, please contact our office immediately.
Can I access my account information online?
A: Yes, you may view your COBRA account information such as billing statements by logging into our website. Select “Participant Login” and enter your user ID and password. If this is your first time logging in, your temporary credentials are provided on your monthly billing statement. Once you login, create a unique password and use your personal e-mail address.
What payment methods are accepted (Credit/Debit/Check??)
A: YES. Credit and Debit card payment options are available via the Participant web portal at www.mycobrahelp.net. Payments are processed through a third party, and there is a transaction fee. We also accept personal check, cashier's check, or money order. Bank checks issued via automatic bill pay through your banking institution may be setup online directly through your bank. Inquire with your bank for questions or issues related to automatic bill payment options.
How do I get information on what my insurance plan covers?
A: You can find your benefit information in the summary plan description or benefits summary provided by your employer. If you no longer have these documents, you may contact your insurance carrier at the telephone number located on your insurance card. CobraHelp does not have access to your carrier's database or specific benefit and plan information.
Is cobrahelp my new insurance carrier?
A: No. CobraHelp is a third party administrator contracted by your employer. We handle your coverage billing and premium collection. Your insurance carrier is the same carrier at the time of your qualifying event, retirement, or onset of your leave of absence.
Will I receive a new insurance card once I elect COBRA Continuation Coverage?
A: Typically with continuation coverage, there is no change in coverage and therefore there is no need for new insurance cards. You may utilize the same insurance cards but feel free to verify with your insurance carrier directly if you will receive new cards from them.
My bill has “CR” next to the total amount due. What does this mean?
A: The letters “CR” next to the amount due indicate an over-payment has been made by you or your employer or an adjustment has been made to your account. No payment or further action on your part is due at this time. The over-payment will be applied to the next month’s COBRA premium and you will receive a billing statement reflecting the adjusted amount due for the next month.
Why is my premium slightly higher now that I’m being billed by CobraHelp?
A: As is standard with Federal COBRA, there is a 2% administrative fee in addition to the insurance premium. This fee is already included in your monthly premium so there is no need to manually calculate this and add it to your bill each month.
How much notice must I provide to CobraHelp in order to terminate my COBRA or other benefits voluntarily?
A: Your continuation coverage may be terminated voluntarily at any time; however, the coverage will be terminated at the end of the benefit period, for which premium has been paid. You must notify CobraHelp of your desire to terminate coverage within 30 days of the date that you want coverage to end. We are unable to retro-terminate beyond 30 days. Login to your CobraHelp account to notify a customer service representative of your need to cancel coverage.
I recently married and wish to add my spouse to my COBRA. How do I do this?
A: You may add your new spouse to your plan by notifying CobraHelp of the change by completing a change form and faxing, emailing, or mailing to us. Please contact us by phone or email to request the form. Note that changes cannot be processed over the phone. You must request that your spouse be added in writing. Our contact information is available on the Contact Us page. You must provide this written notice of intent to add your spouse within 30 days of the date of marriage in order for your spouse to be eligible for your coverage.
I have a newborn child or am pregnant. How do i add my newborn baby to my continuation coverage?
A: You may add a newborn child to your plan by notifying CobraHelp of the change by completing a change form and faxing, emailing, or mailing to us. You may contact us by phone or email to request the form.Note that changes requested over the phone cannot be processed. You must request the addition of your child to the plan in writing. Our contact information is available on the Contact Us page. You must provide this written notice of intent to add your newborn child within 30 days of the date of the date of birth in order for your child to be eligible for your coverage.
My dependent child is no longer eligible to stay on my insurance policy. What do we do now?
A: You'll need to notify CobraHelp of your dependent child's qualifying event within 60 days of your dependent turning age 26. You can then remove the dependent from your plan, allowing us to offer COBRA continuation coverage. Changes are never processed over the phone so you must request this in writing. Please contact us by phone or email to request the appropriate form. You must notify CobraHelp of the event within 60 days of the date that your dependent is no longer eligible to be covered under your plan. By notifying us within 60 days, this will ensure that your dependent is eligible for COBRA continuation coverage due to the qualifying event.
When does my COBRA end?
A: COBRA beneficiaries are typically eligible for group coverage for 18, 29, or 36 months depending on your qualifying event type. For termination of employment or reduced working hours events, the maximum time on COBRA is generally 18 months. For other event types, the maximum is 36 months. If a qualified beneficiary is disabled and meets certain requirements, then the qualified beneficiaries would be entitled to an additional 11 month extension (for a total maximum period of 29 months of continuation coverage). Certain states such as NY, CT, and TX have their own specific COBRA extension rules.Your COBRA Notice of Right To Elect outlines how long you are eligible for COBRA.
How do I verify if my payment has been received/posted?
A: You may view your account information on-line by logging into our secure web portal at www.mycobrahelp.net. Typically payments post within 24-48 hours of receipt.
Why didn’t I receive a bill?
A: Bills are typically mailed the middle of each month. Please verify that CobraHelp has your current mailing address on record. You may also view your account information on-line at www.mycobrahelp.com. Select Login and enter your user ID and password.
Why has my payment been posted but has not cleared the bank yet?
A: Payments are typically posted within one business day of the date received, however, banking procedures may take up to two weeks for a check to clear your bank.Please feel free to call us if you are concerned about a specific payment.
I need assistance with filling out my election paperwork.
A: You may call Customer Service at 866-946-5181 and a representative will be happy to assist you with completing your forms.
Why has my premium gone up?
A: Your insurance carrier may have increased the rates during the employer’s annual group health renewal. There could also be other circumstances causing a rate change such as a change in tier of coverage or a change of plans. If you believe that your premium is incorrect, please contact our office at 866.946.5181.
I am enrolled and paid my premium, so why is my insurance being denied at my doctor’s office?
A: Sometimes it does take time for the carrier's enrollment department to catch up with the provider. If your doctor’s office contacted your insurance company and was informed that your insurance was not active, please contact us at 866-946-5181 for assistance. Some common reasons for this are: not enough time has elapsed for the reinstatement process, premium has not been received by CobraHelp, or the provider may not have your current insurance information.
Why did I receive a termination notice?
A: CobraHelp has either not received your premium or your COBRA continuation coverage has been exhausted. If you believe this has occurred in error, you may contact Customer Service at 866-946-5181 for assistance.
Can you tell me about the conversion option?
A: Some plans may allow participants and beneficiaries to convert group health coverage to an individual policy. You may contact your insurance carrier for more information regarding conversion. If you received a notice from CobraHelp pertaining to conversion options, please call your insurance carrier using the phone number on your insurance cards and inquire if you are eligible for conversion after COBRA.
I would like to change my level of coverage (family to single, employee plus spouse to single, etc). Can I do this?
A: Yes, you may lower your level of coverage at any time. However, you cannot increase your level of coverage except for once in a twelve month period during the group health plan annual open enrollment (at which time you will be notified). To decrease your coverage level, complete a change form or contact our office to request this form.
How Do i login to my account online?
A: Your monthly billing statements and COBRA Notice of Right to Elect have instructions for logging in for the first time to set up your account. Simply visit www.mycobrahelp.net and enter your temporary credentials, and you'll be prompted to create a permanent username and password.
If you are not logging in for the first time, and forgot your password, click "reset password". IMPORTANT: Your username must be the same email address you have on file with CobraHelp. For further web portal support, please contact 866.946.5181 or cs@mycobrahelp.com.
If you are not logging in for the first time, and forgot your password, click "reset password". IMPORTANT: Your username must be the same email address you have on file with CobraHelp. For further web portal support, please contact 866.946.5181 or cs@mycobrahelp.com.
is there relief or extensions due to covid-19?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Labor issued a new rule in 2020 that allows qualified beneficiaries (those eligible for COBRA coverage) to have an extended period of time to elect coverage, to remit payment for the initial premiums, and to pay regular monthly coverage premiums. That rule has since been modified, so that COBRA beneficiaries have what is known as an "outbreak period" based on specific date criteria.
Below are some simplified examples of how the rule might apply to you. Keep in mind, each person's eligibility may be different, based on dates, so you may have already received the maximum allowable extension period (a maximum of 12 months from the onset of the outbreak period).
Below are some simplified examples of how the rule might apply to you. Keep in mind, each person's eligibility may be different, based on dates, so you may have already received the maximum allowable extension period (a maximum of 12 months from the onset of the outbreak period).
What are some examples of the outbreak period and how could they apply to me?
In these examples, the “Outbreak Period” is the suspension that began March 1, 2020 and will end 60 days after the COVID National Emergency is declared at an end. Note that the end of the National Emergency (and therefor the end of the Outbreak Period) may vary by location.
COBRA Events before March 1, 2020 (i.e., prior to the Outbreak Period)
Example 1: Bob experiences a loss of employment. His 60-day COBRA election period would have expired on April 1, 2020. Under the Outbreak Period relief, his 60-day deadline is suspended after 28 days on March 1, 2020. Because the Outbreak Period has not yet ended as of April 1, 2021, Bob was required to submit his election no later than April 1, 2021, which is the earlier of (A) one year from the original due date for the election, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 32 days left in the original 60-day compliance period. If the Outbreak Period had ended February 15, 2021, Bob’s 60-day election deadline would have been March 19, 2020 (32 days after the end of the Outbreak Period).
Example 2: Sara commenced COBRA continuation in September 2019 under her former employer’s medical plan. Two weeks into the new plan year, on January 15, 2020, she married Ben. If Sara wanted to add Ben to her medical coverage, she would need to request a special enrollment within 30 days on or before February 14, 2020. Because that deadline expired before March 1, 2020, it is not extended under the suspension rules. Had the 30 days ended on March 1, 2020 (the first day of the Outbreak Period relief), the deadline would have been suspended until March 1, 2021, one year from the original due date for giving notice on March 1, 2020.
COBRA Events between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021 (During the Outbreak Period up to 2/28/2021)
Example 3: Continuing Example 1, above, Bob submits his COBRA election postmarked on February 29, 2020. His first premium payment would have been due within 45 days on April 14, 2020, within the Outbreak Period. Under the Outbreak Period relief, all 45 days of the payment period falling on and after March 1, 2020, are suspended. Because the Outbreak Period has not yet ended as of April 14, 2021, Bob would not be required to make his initial COBRA premium payment until April 14, 2021, which is the earlier of (A) one year from the original due date for the payment, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 45 days of his original 45-day compliance period. If the Outbreak Period ended May 31, 2021, Bob’s 45-day initial payment deadline would be July 15, 2021 (45 days after the end of the Outbreak Period). (NOTE: Bob may be required to pay his COBRA premiums prior to receiving medical care during his COBRA continuation period.)
Example 4: Sofia experiences a loss of employment. Her 60-day election period would have expired on September 1, 2020, during the Outbreak Period. Under the Outbreak Period relief, her entire 60-day election period is suspended. Because the Outbreak Period has not yet ended as of April 1, 2021, Sofia would be required to submit her election no later than September 1, 2021, which is the earlier of
(A) one year from the original due date for the election, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 60 days of her original 60-day compliance period. If the Outbreak Period ended May 31, 2021, Sofia’s 60-day election deadline would be July 30, 2021 (60 days after the end of the Outbreak Period).
COBRA Events after February 28, 2021, until the Outbreak Period Ends (Presently unknown)
Example 5: Shonda experiences a loss or employment. Her 60-day COBRA election period would normally expire on August 31, 2021. If the Outbreak Period has not ended, Shonda’s entire 60-day deadline is suspended under the Outbreak Period relief, and Shonda would not be required to submit her election until August 31, 2022, which is the earlier of (A) one year from the original due date for the election, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 60 days left in her original 60-day compliance period. If the Outbreak Period ends July 31, 2021, Shonda’s 60-day election deadline would resume and expire on September 29, 2021 (60 days after the end of the Outbreak Period, which would be earlier than August 31, 2022).
Example 6: Lee elects COBRA after losing coverage due to a reduction of hours and commences coverage effective May 1, 2021. He obtains a Social Security determination of disability on May 31, 2021 and would normally be required to notify the Plan Administrator of that determination within 60 days (by July 30, 2021) so he could extend his COBRA continuation to 29 months. If the Outbreak Period has not ended, Lee’s 60-day deadline is suspended under the Outbreak Period relief, and he would not be required to submit his disability notice until July 30, 2022, which is the earlier of (A) one year from the original due date for the notice, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 60 days left in his original 60-day notification period. If the Outbreak Period ends July 31, 2021, Lee’s 60-day election deadline would resume on that date and expire on September 29, 2021 (60 days after the end of the Outbreak Period, which would be earlier than July 30, 2022).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR DEDICATED COBRA EXPERTS AT 866-946-5181.
COBRA Events before March 1, 2020 (i.e., prior to the Outbreak Period)
Example 1: Bob experiences a loss of employment. His 60-day COBRA election period would have expired on April 1, 2020. Under the Outbreak Period relief, his 60-day deadline is suspended after 28 days on March 1, 2020. Because the Outbreak Period has not yet ended as of April 1, 2021, Bob was required to submit his election no later than April 1, 2021, which is the earlier of (A) one year from the original due date for the election, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 32 days left in the original 60-day compliance period. If the Outbreak Period had ended February 15, 2021, Bob’s 60-day election deadline would have been March 19, 2020 (32 days after the end of the Outbreak Period).
Example 2: Sara commenced COBRA continuation in September 2019 under her former employer’s medical plan. Two weeks into the new plan year, on January 15, 2020, she married Ben. If Sara wanted to add Ben to her medical coverage, she would need to request a special enrollment within 30 days on or before February 14, 2020. Because that deadline expired before March 1, 2020, it is not extended under the suspension rules. Had the 30 days ended on March 1, 2020 (the first day of the Outbreak Period relief), the deadline would have been suspended until March 1, 2021, one year from the original due date for giving notice on March 1, 2020.
COBRA Events between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021 (During the Outbreak Period up to 2/28/2021)
Example 3: Continuing Example 1, above, Bob submits his COBRA election postmarked on February 29, 2020. His first premium payment would have been due within 45 days on April 14, 2020, within the Outbreak Period. Under the Outbreak Period relief, all 45 days of the payment period falling on and after March 1, 2020, are suspended. Because the Outbreak Period has not yet ended as of April 14, 2021, Bob would not be required to make his initial COBRA premium payment until April 14, 2021, which is the earlier of (A) one year from the original due date for the payment, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 45 days of his original 45-day compliance period. If the Outbreak Period ended May 31, 2021, Bob’s 45-day initial payment deadline would be July 15, 2021 (45 days after the end of the Outbreak Period). (NOTE: Bob may be required to pay his COBRA premiums prior to receiving medical care during his COBRA continuation period.)
Example 4: Sofia experiences a loss of employment. Her 60-day election period would have expired on September 1, 2020, during the Outbreak Period. Under the Outbreak Period relief, her entire 60-day election period is suspended. Because the Outbreak Period has not yet ended as of April 1, 2021, Sofia would be required to submit her election no later than September 1, 2021, which is the earlier of
(A) one year from the original due date for the election, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 60 days of her original 60-day compliance period. If the Outbreak Period ended May 31, 2021, Sofia’s 60-day election deadline would be July 30, 2021 (60 days after the end of the Outbreak Period).
COBRA Events after February 28, 2021, until the Outbreak Period Ends (Presently unknown)
Example 5: Shonda experiences a loss or employment. Her 60-day COBRA election period would normally expire on August 31, 2021. If the Outbreak Period has not ended, Shonda’s entire 60-day deadline is suspended under the Outbreak Period relief, and Shonda would not be required to submit her election until August 31, 2022, which is the earlier of (A) one year from the original due date for the election, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 60 days left in her original 60-day compliance period. If the Outbreak Period ends July 31, 2021, Shonda’s 60-day election deadline would resume and expire on September 29, 2021 (60 days after the end of the Outbreak Period, which would be earlier than August 31, 2022).
Example 6: Lee elects COBRA after losing coverage due to a reduction of hours and commences coverage effective May 1, 2021. He obtains a Social Security determination of disability on May 31, 2021 and would normally be required to notify the Plan Administrator of that determination within 60 days (by July 30, 2021) so he could extend his COBRA continuation to 29 months. If the Outbreak Period has not ended, Lee’s 60-day deadline is suspended under the Outbreak Period relief, and he would not be required to submit his disability notice until July 30, 2022, which is the earlier of (A) one year from the original due date for the notice, or (B) the end of the Outbreak Period plus the 60 days left in his original 60-day notification period. If the Outbreak Period ends July 31, 2021, Lee’s 60-day election deadline would resume on that date and expire on September 29, 2021 (60 days after the end of the Outbreak Period, which would be earlier than July 30, 2022).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR DEDICATED COBRA EXPERTS AT 866-946-5181.
Premium Assistance Under the American Rescue Plan Act (COBRA & Continuation Coverage Subsidy) 2021
what is arp cobra premium assistance?
Section 9501 of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) addresses COBRA premiums subsidized for six months to help Assistance Eligible Individuals (AEIs) afford COBRA continuation coverage (Federal) or state continuation coverage (subject to state laws which vary). This premium assistance makes it so that Assistance Eligible Individuals are not required to pay their COBRA premiums from April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021.
How much does the COBRA Subsidy Pay?
For all Assistance Eligible Individuals as defined by ARP, the government will subsidize 100% of the COBRA premium during the subsidy period. If eligible for the subsidy, you will not be responsible for the premiums during the subsidy period. However, because the subsidy is temporary assistance, full continuation coverage premiums will become your responsibility as of October 1, 2021.
Who is considered an assistance eligible individual?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor guidance, you may be eligible for premium assistance if:
- You were offered Federal COBRA continuation coverage as a result of an involuntary termination of employment or because of a a reduction in hours;
- Your eligible covered dependents (family members on the plan at the time of the qualifying event) are on COBRA or were offered COBRA due to your involuntary termination of employment or reduced hours;
- You declined to take COBRA continuation coverage at that time, or you elected Federal COBRA continuation coverage and later discontinued it, you may have another opportunity to elect COBRA continuation coverage and receive the premium assistance, if the maximum period you would have been eligible for COBRA continuation coverage has not yet expired (if COBRA continuation coverage had been elected or not discontinued).
What types of coverage plans does the premium subsidy apply to?
The COBRA premium assistance provisions apply to all group health plans sponsored by private sector employers or employee unions subject to regular Federal COBRA rules under ERISA. In short, the premium assistance subsidy will generally apply to medical, dental, and vision plans subject to COBRA, or "like COBRA coverage" such as state continuation. Healthcare FSA (flexible spending accounts) are not covered by the subsidy.
How Can I tell if I am eligible to receive the 100% cobra subsidy?
The ARP has made premium assistance available to AEIs as defined as COBRA qualified beneficiaries who meet the following requirements during the subsidy period from April 1st through September 30, 2021:
You are NOT eligible for the premium subsidy if:
- If you are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage due to a qualifying event that is "reduced hours" or "involuntary termination of employment". Reduced Hours Events could include change in a business's hours of operations, change from full-time to part-time status, taking a temporary leave of absence, or participation in a lawful labor strike, as long as the individual remains an employee at the time that the the hours are reduced. Involuntary Termination of Employment Events could include lay-off, furlough, or termination for cause but DO NOT include voluntary termination such as resignation, retirement, job abandonment or quitting a job with or without notice. If involuntarily terminated due to gross misconduct, you will not be eligible for the subsidy.
- If you Elect COBRA continuation coverage.
You are NOT eligible for the premium subsidy if:
- You are eligible for other group health coverage (new employer's plan, spouse's plan) but not including excepted benefits such as a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (QSEHRA), or a health flexible spending arrangement (FSA).
- You are eligible for Medicare
- Gross misconduct was the reason for the Employee's termination of employment.
If i am eligible for the premium subsidy, how long will it last?
The premium assistance can last from April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. It cannot last for more than six months total during the subsidy period.
The subsidy will end earlier if:
The subsidy will end earlier if:
- You become eligible for another group health plan (as described in this FAQ),
- You become eligible for Medicare, or
- You reach the end of your maximum COBRA continuation period (18 months total from original event).
What happens when the cobra premium subsidy ends?
When your COBRA premium assistance ends, if you still choose to continue COBRA coverage, you will become responsible for the premiums due in the full monthly amount as disclosed in your COBRA Notice or subsequent monthly billings. Failure to pay the premiums after the premium assistance period is over, could result in the termination of your continuation coverage benefits.
What do i do if i cannot afford cobra when subsidy period ends?
When your premium assistance ends, you may be eligible for Medicaid or a special enrollment period to enroll in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace or to enroll in individual market health insurance coverage outside of the Marketplace. A special enrollment period is also available if you reach the end of your maximum COBRA coverage period. To learn more, visit Healthcare.gov.
How do i apply for the cobra & continuation coverage premium assistance?
For Individuals covered by an employer's group health plan on the last day of employment and who experienced a reduction of hours or involuntary termination of employment qualifying event, including any covered dependents, should receive a COBRA Election Notice with information about the premium assistance. These notices will include the necessary forms enrollment and forms for you to indicate that you are an Assistance Eligible Individual, and that you are not eligible for another employer's group health plan or Medicare.
If you have not received a notice pertaining to the premium assistance, contact your Plan Administrator (employer) and notify them that you are requesting treatment as an assistance eligible individual.
If you have not received a notice pertaining to the premium assistance, contact your Plan Administrator (employer) and notify them that you are requesting treatment as an assistance eligible individual.
How will the premium assistance be paid?
You will not receive a payment from the Federal government for the COBRA or continuation coverage premiums. Instead, any Assistance Eligible Individuals simply do not have to pay their regular COBRA premium bills during the subsidy period (April 1, 2021 - Sept 30, 2021). The premiums are reimbursed directly to the employer or sponsoring group health plan administrators, or the insurance company through a premium assistance credit.
Who can i contact for help regarding the premium assistance?
Please read the FAQ thoroughly first, as the most common questions and answers have been provided. If you still have questions about the ARPA premium subsidy, you may contact:
CobraHelp Participant Customer Service - Mon-Fri during business hours at 866-946-5181 or email us your subsidy questions.
United States Department of Labor EBSA Division - askebsa.dol.gov or 1.866.444.3272.
CobraHelp Participant Customer Service - Mon-Fri during business hours at 866-946-5181 or email us your subsidy questions.
United States Department of Labor EBSA Division - askebsa.dol.gov or 1.866.444.3272.
Retiree and Leave of Absence Coverage Frequently Asked Questions:
When will i receive a bill for my retiree or leave of absence coverage?
CobraHelp issues monthly billing statements or quarterly coupon billing. You should receive your monthly bills mid-month each month. If your employer has contracted Cobra Help for coupon billing, your coupons will be issued thirty days prior to the onset of the next quarter. If you do not receive your bills or payment coupons, you may access your billing statements at any time via our secure website. Login at www.mycobrahelp.net.
How do i setup my online access for retiree billing or loa billing?
Your initial bill from CobraHelp has instructions for accessing your account with temporary credentials. Once you login for the first time using these credentials, you'll be prompted to create a username and unique password. If you forgot your password, simply click "reset password" on the login screen. If you need help, contact us. Please note that sometimes FireFox has problems loading our login page. Instead, please try Internet Explorer or Chrome.
How do i change my retiree coverage?
If you need to remove a plan or dependent, or enroll in a new plan during open enrollment, simply let us know by e-mailing our customer service department. (Coverage changes cannot be processed over the phone). Your request must be submitted in writing. You may do this by logging into your account via our website or by sending a message to cs@mycobrahelp.com.
If i am on retiree coverage, can i also have medicare?
Most likely. Medicare can answer all of your Medicare related questions. However, it is quite common for retiree benefits to be elected in conjunction with Medicare. Medicare and your insurance carrier will be able to help you determine which is primary and which is secondary coverage. CobraHelp is not an insurance carrier.
I received my bill, but my premium seems to be incorrect.
If you have questions or concerns regarding your billing statement, please contact us toll free or send us an email.
When are my premiums due?
Your retiree premiums or leave of absence premiums are due the 1st of the month, every month. They must be postmarked in time to arrive to CobraHelp timely. Late premiums may result in the termination of your coverage.
How do i know when my retiree plan options are going to change?
Each year during group health renewal, your employer will go through annual open enrollment. At this time, you'll be notified of plan, carrier, and rate changes. You'll also receive benefit summaries, allowing you to choose the right coverage for yourself and your family. If you do not know when your employer's health plans renew, contact us.
How do i terminate my benefits?
If you wish to cancel coverage at any time, simply send us a notice of cancellation within 30 days of the date you wish to close your account. This must be provided in writing as we cannot process coverage cancellations over the phone.
What plans will i be able to have as a retiree?
You are eligible for any retirement benefit offered by your employer. This can be determined through working with your employer's benefits department directly. Typically retiree health benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options including HRAs (Health Reimbursement Account) or HSAs (Health Savings Accounts).
I am on leave but may not return to work. What happens with my coverage?
If you are on FMLA or leave of absence coverage and decide you won't be returning to work, you may become eligible for COBRA continuation coverage as of the date of your COBRA qualifying event. If your coverage premiums under leave of absence are unpaid, we recommend that you bring your account current so that your benefits are paid to date if you become eligible for COBRA.
Can I be on retiree coverage and COBRA?
No. If you selected retiree benefits at the time of your retirement, then you automatically opted out of COBRA continuation. COBRA is meant to bridge the gap between benefits, so if you didn't lose benefits (by electing retiree coverage), then you would not be able to continue both COBRA and retiree benefits simultaneously.
What methods of payment are accepted?
We accept check, money order, cashier's check, and credit/debit card payments. If you wish to pay via credit or debit card, you will need to set up online access through the secure web portal at www.mycobrahelp.net. Follow the instructions on the bottom of your monthly billing statement to setup an account online. Need help with online retiree benefit payments? Contact us!
Colorado Continuation Frequently Asked Questions:
How do i know if i am eligible for colorado continuation benefits?
If your employer must comply with Colorado State Continuation rules, and you have experienced a qualifying event, you may be entitled to continue your coverage. Such qualifying events include termination of employment, death of the covered employee, and divorce. Any of these three events causing the loss of the employee's or dependent's insurance coverage will result in the option to continue coverage through the employer group health plan.
What benefits can i continue under colorado continuation?
If you are eligible for continuation coverage, you may continue any health plan that you were enrolled in at the time of the qualifying event. Such benefits may include medical, dental, and vision plans.
How do i elect coverage?
You should receive an Election Notice with detailed instructions and a continuation coverage election form. Complete the election form and return it to CobraHelp within 30 days of the notification. If you do not elect within 30 days, you automatically forfeit your right to continuation coverage.
How long can i have continuation benefits for?
Colorado State Law allows for continuation benefits to be offered for a maximum of 18 months. Conversion options (converting to a new plan) or the health insurance marketplace options (healthcare.gov and Connect for Health Colorado) may be alternative coverage options available to you once your Colorado Continuation Coverage comes to an end.
What alternative coverage options are available once my coverage ends?
Conversion options (converting to a new plan) or the health insurance marketplace options (healthcare.gov and Connect for Health Colorado) may be alternative coverage options available to you once your Colorado Continuation Coverage comes to an end.
when are my premiums due?
Your coverage premiums for Colorado continuation coverage are due five days prior to the first of the month every month. These premiums must be paid timely to avoid an interuption in coverage.
when will i receive my bill?
Cobra Help issues monthly billing statements for the following month of coverage around the 15th of each month. You may also access your billing and payment history online at any time by logging into your Cobra Help account online.
How do i setup my cobra help account online?
You can log in using the temporary credentials provided on your first bill from us. Once you log in for the first time, you'll be asked to create a unique password and provide your personal email address. These will be your permanent login credentials. If you forget your password, simply click "reset password" from the login page. If you are still having trouble loggin in, call us.
how do i terminate my colorado continuation coverage?
Simply provide written notice of your request to cancel coverage within 30 days of the date you are requesting cancellation. Cobra Help cannot retro-terminate coverage beyond 30 days. In addition, coverage terminations cannot be processed if your final premium payment is not yet paid. Please pay for your coverage through the requested cancellation date prior to requesting cancellation. Send coverage cancellation requests to: cs@mycobrahelp.com.
What methods of payment are accepted for monthly premiums?
We accept check, money order, cashier's check, and credit/debit card payments. If you wish to pay via credit or debit card, you will need to set up online access through the secure web portal at www.mycobrahelp.net. Follow the instructions on the bottom of your monthly billing statement to setup an account online. Need help with online state continuation benefit payments? Contact us by phone or email us and we'll happily assist you with your coverage billing questions.