HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE AFTER EMPLOYMENT ENDS

C.O.B.R.A. - Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act

When does my group health insurance coverage end?

Your group health coverage will terminate on the date your employment ends. When you leave employment with the College of Medicine, you are entitled to purchase continuous health coverage under C.O.B.R.A.

Who can be covered under COBRA?

You and your covered dependents who were covered under the health plan the day before your termination date.

How do I enroll in COBRA?

You will receive a packet of information from Benefits Advantage at the home address shown for you in the Personnel System.

How long do I have to decide if I want coverage?

You have 60 days from the date group health coverage terminates or from the date the election notice is sent to you, whichever comes later, to elect COBRA continuation coverage.

While I am considering enrollment in COBRA during the 60 day period, do I have coverage? What about medical expenses incurred during that period?

You will not be covered under the plan during the election period. Your group health coverage will cease as of midnight on your last day of employment. Any claims occurring after that date will not be paid. However, if a COBRA election is made, and applicable premiums are paid, your group health plan will be reactivated back to the day following your termination date and any covered claims would be released for payment.

Can I drop health coverage at termination and pick up COBRA at a later date?

No, federal law states that coverage must be continuous.

How long does COBRA last?

You, your spouse and dependent children are entitled to 18 months of continuous coverage if the qualifying event is termination of employment.

What is the current cost?

The current monthly COBRA premiums may be found at www.med.ufl.edu/benefits/rates.shtml

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Under the provisions of HIPAA, a Certificate of Health Insurance Portability will automatically be sent to you. The Certificate of Health Insurance Portability will detail the total time covered under our group health plan and the type of health care plan you were covered under. Under HIPAA, the time covered under our group health plan may be used to reduce a new employers' pre-existing condition period. For example, if you were covered under our health plan for 10 months, including COBRA coverage, and your new employer had a 12 month pre-existing condition clause for new employees, they would subtract 10 months from their 12 month pre-existing condition period, which would leave you with only a two month pre-existing condition period. For your coverage under our plan to be counted under a new employer's plan, there must not be a break in coverage for more than 63 days from the time our plan (including COBRA coverage) ceases to the time the new employer's health plan begins. Questions regarding a new employer's pre-existing condition period and the impact HIPAA will have should be directed to your new employer.

 

Fringe Benefits/Gainesville

(352)273-5077

Fringe Benefits/Jacksonville

(904) 244-8531