Frequently Asked Questions:
COBRA Benefits

Sections:

General Administration Questions

What is COBRA?

COBRA entitles individuals who have lost group health coverage as a result of COBRA Qualifying Events (e.g., termination of employment, reduction in hours) to continue coverage under the eligible group health plans in which they were previously enrolled immediately prior to the COBRA qualifying event.

My last date of employment was a week ago. Why haven't I received my COBRA paperwork? 

COBRA allows employers 30 days to inform the COBRA administrator of a qualifying event. COBRA administrators have up to 14 days to mail the COBRA Specific Rights Notice to you. You may want to contact your former employer to ensure that they have your most recent mailing address if you moved recently.

Is it possible to expedite the paperwork?

In some circumstances, if we have all of the required information from your employer, we may be able to expedite the COBRA paperwork. Please contact the Customer Care Center for assistance.

How can I sign up for COBRA?

Complete and sign the COBRA election form enclosed in your COBRA Specific Rights Notice and submit it to the address indicated within the timeframe indicated (“Last Day to Elect” date). You must submit your completed, signed COBRA election form within the required timeframe for your COBRA election to be considered. Please read carefully the COBRA election form and the information relating to the initial COBRA premium due date. COBRA coverage is not reinstated until the full initial COBRA premium is received.

When do I have to submit my COBRA election form?

Your COBRA election form must be postmarked on or before the “Last Day to Elect.” This date is indicated on your COBRA election form

Do I have to elect all of the benefits in my COBRA election form?

No, you may select from the available benefits listed on your COBRA election form. Check the corresponding boxes next to the plans you wish to “Accept” or “Waive.” Carefully elect for you and for your family members who were also covered under your group health plan immediately prior to your COBRA qualifying event. You may not add a new dependent who was not previously covered at this time.

What is the time duration of COBRA?

Please refer to your COBRA Specific Rights notification for the duration of your COBRA coverage.

The COBRA Specific Rights notification states that I may be able to have COBRA longer than 18 months; how do I qualify for the additional time?

Individuals who are deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration may qualify for an extension of COBRA coverage. Please contact the Customer Care Center for further information.

Will there a future extension of the COBRA reduced premium subsidy?

There are several bills in Congress that contain some version of an extension of the COBRA reduced premium subsidy, but it seems unlikely that another extension will be passed any time soon.

Do my benefits change, now that I am covered under COBRA?

COBRA continuation of coverage allows you to continue to enjoy the same level of coverage you had prior to your COBRA qualifying event. However, an employer plan sponsor may make changes during the annual open enrollment period that may affect your level of coverage benefits and or make changes to your insurance company. You will receive notification if your benefits or insurance company changes.

Do I have to elect COBRA if I work part-time or if I have a temporary assignment?

Part-time or temporary employment does not affect your COBRA rights. However, if after you elect COBRA coverage you become covered by another group health plan, your COBRA coverage may be terminated.

How long does it take for the insurance company to be notified that I am now covered under COBRA?

Once we have received your completed COBRA election form and your full initial COBRA premium, notification to the insurance carriers is sent within 5-7 business days.

When will I receive my new ID cards?

The process of issuing coverage ID cards is controlled by your insurance carrier. Please  contact your insurance carrier for information regarding your coverage ID card(s).

Why do I have to send the election form back if my company is paying for my COBRA coverage for a few months?

In order to continue coverage under COBRA, and for your employer to pay for your COBRA coverage, a completed and signed COBRA election form is required to process your COBRA coverage election. We cannot automatically elect COBRA coverage for you or your family.

Using the Online COBRA System

How do I get online access to view my COBRA account?

Once you are enrolled in COBRA, you will receive a notice with a registration code that will allow you to access your COBRA account online. Make sure you keep this notice.

I am already enrolled in COBRA, but didn’t receive my registration code. Is there another way to get it?

Yes. Please contact the Customer Care Center for assistance.

I forgot my password, how do I change it?

Go to the COBRAPoint website and click on “Forgot my password.” You will need to provide your registration code.

I was locked out of my account. What do I do?

Please contact the Customer Care Center for assistance.

There is information on my COBRA account that needs to be updated. How can I correct this?

Please contact the Customer Care Center for assistance.

COBRA Premiums and Payment Methods

When is my first COBRA payment due? 

The first initial COBRA premium must be made within 45 days after the date that you elected COBRA coverage.  Your first initial COBRA premium is measured from your first date of COBRA Coverage through the date of your COBRA election.  This is considered your initial COBRA premium, and is due 45 days after the date you elect COBRA. Subsequent COBRA premiums are due on the first of every month.

When are my subsequent COBRA premiums due? 

COBRA premiums are due on the first of every month.

Is there a grace period?

Yes, COBRA allows a 30-day grace period from the first of every month to submit COBRA premiums. 

If I missed my deadline, can I still submit a payment?

No, non-payment of COBRA premiums within the grace period will result in termination of COBRA coverage.

Who do I make my payment payable to?

Please refer to your COBRA election form for this information.

Why do I have to mail the payment now, when the notice states that I have 45 days to make a payment?

You have 45 days to submit your full initial COBRA premium after your COBRA election date. However, keep in mind that if you submit your election form without your initial COBRA premium payment, your election will be held in pending status until your initial COBRA premium payment is received. Your COBRA coverage will not be reinstated with your insurance carriers until the first initial COBRA premium is received.

Why does it cost so much?

The COBRA premium represents the full cost of the coverage plus a 2% administration fee. As an active employee, you generally only see the employee portion of the full monthly premium cost of coverage.

Why does it take so long for my payment to be posted?

Allow for 3-5 business days from receipt of payment to be processed. Delays can sometimes occur when payments are received without payment coupons and payments cannot be readily identified.  If you have sent in your premium payment and are concerned that it has not been posted in your account, please contact the Customer Care Center for assistance.

What payment methods are acceptable?

Payment must be made in the form of a check or money order. Cash payments are NOT accepted.

Can I make a payment online?

If your COBRA coverage is currently active and you are registered online, you may make an online payment. A $20.00 convenience fee is added to each online payment transaction. 

Is there an automated method of payment?

Yes, if your COBRA coverage is currently active and you are registered online, you may sign up for ACH.

What is ACH?

ACH is an automated payment method wherein COBRA premiums are deducted from your enrolled bank account on a monthly schedule.

How do I sign up for ACH?

Log in to your COBRA account on the COBRAPoint website. Download the ACH Request Form, complete it, and fax or mail it to the contact information provided on the form.

I submitted my form. How do I know if it has been processed?

Processing the ACH form may take up to 3 business days from receipt. You may check the status of your ACH enrollment on your online COBRA account.

When will the first deduction take place?

If you submitted your ACH form before the 25th of the month, and your account is paid in full through the current month, the deduction will be taken for the next premium month. ACH deductions take place between the 29th and 3rd. (Example: The ACH form was submitted on January 23, and the account is paid through January 31. The first deduction would be for the February premium, and this amount will be deducted from your account between January 29 and February 3.)

What if there were insufficient funds in my bank account at the time of the ACH deduction?

The bank will decline the transaction as NSF. The ACH deduction is only conducted once a month. If this occurs, a check or money order must be sent in for that month’s premiums to ensure continuous COBRA coverage.

I was previously terminated, but my account was reinstated. Will I need to sign up for ACH again?

No. If your account is enrolled and paid through the current month before the 25th, then the ACH will deduct your next month’s premiums. 

How do I stop the ACH deductions?

Please mark the CANCEL AUTHORIZATION box on the ACH Request Form, indicate the effective date, sign off, and fax or mail it to the contact information provided on the form. This notification must be sent 16 days before the effective date you indicated.

Termination of COBRA

I was notified that my COBRA coverage was terminated for non-payment. Is there a way to request a reinstatement?

You may submit a written appeal to ProView explaining why payment was not made in a timely manner via email to cobra@proviewbenefits.com. Type “COBRA Reinstatement Appeal” in the subject line.  Please contact the Customer Care Center for further information.

How long does it take to review and respond to my appeal?

The review of an appeal may take up to 2-4 weeks.

How will I be notified of the decision of my appeal?

You will be sent a written response via email.

What do I do if I am not in agreement with the decision?

The decision of the appeal is final.

Why did I receive a conversion letter? 

COBRA requires this notice be sent to COBRA participants before their COBRA is scheduled to expire.

The conversion letter I received states that my coverage will end. When will it terminate?

Please refer to your COBRA notification for your last day of COBRA. You may also log in to the COBRAPoint Member Portal to view this information. If you are not able to obtain it from these sources, the ProView Customer Care Center will be happy to assist you.

What do I do when my COBRA ends?

You may contact your insurance carrier to determine your options after your COBRA coverage terminates, or obtain individual insurance coverage elsewhere.

What is the process if I want to terminate my COBRA coverage earlier?

If you have obtained other coverage, or no longer intend to pay for your COBRA coverage, you may send in a written request to ProView COBRA Administrators stating that you wish to terminate your COBRA continuation coverage voluntarily and include the effective date in which you are requesting to terminate your COBRA coverage. Please remember this is a permanent request; you may not be reinstated if you change your mind later on.

Do I have to terminate all of my COBRA continuation benefits or can I just drop one benefit plan?

You may choose to stop paying for one or all of your benefit plans. If you intend to stop paying for one of your benefit plan coverages, you may send in a written request to ProView Administrators stating which benefit plan you wish to drop, for which dependents (if not for all), and the effective date in which you want the benefit plan coverage to end.

Can ProView provide me with information on obtaining other or additional coverage (ehealthinsurance.com)?   

ProView does not have access to this information, and cannot provide additional coverage. However, most insurance companies offer individual policies, and you should contact your insurance company to ask for information regarding their individual policies and their application process.

What is Cal-COBRA?

Cal-COBRA is a California state law that provides for continuation of coverage (like Federal COBRA) for companies that have between 2 and 19 employees. It may also allow you to keep your coverage for up to 36 months.  Some COBRA qualified beneficiaries enroll in Cal-COBRA when their original 18 months of federal COBRA continuation of coverage ends. Not all COBRA beneficiaries will qualify and Cal-COBRA does not apply to all coverage plans. If you are interested in enrolling in Cal-COBRA when your original 18 months of federal COBRA continuation of coverage ends, please contact your current insurance company to receive information on Cal-COBRA election forms and application process. ProView does not have information regarding Cal-COBRA offered by your insurance company.

Am I eligible for Cal-COBRA?

Cal-COBRA is offered directly by your insurance carrier.  Not all benefit plans are eligible for Cal-COBRA. ProView does not have information regarding your insurance company’s Cal-COBRA coverage information, as it varies by insurance company. Please contact your insurance carrier for more information regarding Cal-COBRA coverage and application process.

How do I elect Cal-COBRA?

Cal-COBRA is offered directly by your insurance carrier.  Not all benefit plans are eligible for Cal-COBRA. ProView does not have information regarding your insurance company’s Cal-COBRA coverage information, as it varies by insurance company. Please contact your insurance carrier for more information regarding Cal-COBRA coverage and application process.

What plans are offered under Cal COBRA?

Cal-COBRA is offered directly by your insurance carrier.  Not all benefit plans are eligible for Cal-COBRA. ProView does not have information regarding your insurance company’s Cal-COBRA coverage information, as it varies by insurance company. Please contact your insurance carrier for more information regarding Cal-COBRA coverage and application process.

Is Dental and Vision not covered under Cal COBRA?

Cal-COBRA is offered directly by your insurance carrier.  Not all benefit plans are eligible for Cal-COBRA. ProView does not have information regarding your insurance company’s Cal-COBRA coverage information, as it varies by insurance company. Please contact your insurance carrier for more information regarding Cal-COBRA coverage and application process.

Who do I contact about Cal-COBRA?

Your insurance carrier will be able to provide information on Cal-COBRA. Please contact your insurance company regarding Cal-COBRA.

I need a HIPAA Certificate of Credible Coverage. Where can I obtain this?

Your insurance carrier will be able to provide this to you once your COBRA coverage ends. If you need a Certificate of Credible Coverage while you are still on COBRA to provide with your application for other coverage, you may contact the Customer Care Center to request one for this purpose.

I need to provide proof of coverage now, but my COBRA has not yet ended. Where can I obtain this?

If you have paid your COBRA premiums to the last day of your COBRA, ProView can provide a HIPAA Certificate with the scheduled end of your COBRA coverage. You may contact the Customer Care Center to make this request.